Keep the fire alive! Expert tips for seniors to maintain a sizzling bedroom life
- Replies 65
A sensational life between the sheets isn't just for the young - seniors can have a steamy love life, too! At the Seniors Discount Club, we believe life's greatest pleasures can and should be enjoyed well into our golden years. In our two-and-a-half years of existence, we’ve published a lot of content on a range of topics, but one topic that we have barely broached is the sex life of older Australians, and through research conducted online by our team, we’ve found that we are indeed not alone. There are very few websites out there that talk about sex when you’re over sixty, and we want to break that stigma.
Now, we know talking about sex isn’t for everyone. So, if this type of content just isn’t for you, in every newsletter, if we write about expert tips and tricks to help seniors keep their love lives sizzling, we will, of course, give a warning so you don’t click and read an article if it’s not in line with your values! So take this as your final warning, members. If you don’t want to read about sex, I recommend reading some other content we’ve produced this week. There’s a bunch of fascinating lifestyle content out at the moment, so why don’t you head over to our lifestyle forum here?
Now, let’s dive into it, shall we? Rediscovering intimacy is essential for maintaining happiness and connection between two people. So, it's no wonder that a whopping 76% of adults aged 65 to 80 consider romantic relationships and sex an essential part of their lives, according to the National Poll on Healthy Ageing.
Please note, members: The above national poll is actually an American one because, funnily enough, we couldn’t find ANY up-to-date surveys on the sex life of Australians over sixty… The most updated content on sex in your senior years was an article about ‘Getting on and still getting it on: a guide to older singles, dating and sex’ by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2015. So I guess, all the more reason I should be writing this.
I know you folks will agree that with age comes wisdom, and seniors boast a wealth of experience to draw on in their everyday lives, but perhaps, their bedroom lives are a little less golden and maybe a little more olden than they’d like them to be. So below, I’m going to explore some essential factors in maintaining a healthy, exciting sex life into your 60s, 70s and beyond.
Embracing physical changes and overcoming challenges
Our bodies naturally undergo various changes as we age, and our health is likely to encounter a few bumps along the road. However, it's crucial to remember that many physical issues can be managed or even conquered to ensure satisfying intimate relationships.
For both men and women, a decline in hormone levels, reduced stamina, and other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can impact their intimate lives. But fear not! By staying in regular communication with your doctor, getting recommendations for medication or supplements, and following a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and exercise, you can work to overcome these challenges.
For men, supplements like vitamin D, red ginseng, l-arginine, and l-carnitine are great natural supplements for erectile dysfunction symptoms. However, as with everything, we recommend talking to a doctor before stocking up.
As for women, there are so many different kinds of lubricants on the market to help with the hormonal changes you have experienced and the difficulty that comes with natural lubrication. It’s best to avoid all the fancy lubricants (unless they are what you prefer!) and stick to more organic, natural lubricants. You can find these at Chemist Warehouse and even Coles for under $15.
It’s true, couples that communicate can conquer (the bedroom)
An open, honest, and playful approach to communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Discuss your concerns, anxieties, desires, and boundaries with your sexual partner, making sure to listen with understanding and without judgement.
Sex doesn’t have to be serious. You can laugh together and make communication an ongoing, enjoyable aspect of your relationship. After all, it’s one of the most natural things humans are made to do, and just because you’re a little older doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy reaching the finish line (if you know what I mean).
Spice it up: Variety is the spice of life
We've all heard the saying, 'familiarity breeds contempt,' and the same can be true for the bedroom! Keep things fresh by changing your routine, trying new sexual positions or locations, experimenting with role-playing, or exploring other forms of physical touch and pleasure.
There is so much information out there about the best sexual positions for someone who is ageing, so don’t be afraid to do some research, and if this article goes well, and you’d like to hear more, I will write a lot more about what the experts recommend when it comes to well, positioning yourself, and making sure no-one gets injured.
Safety first
Now, as I said above that there is very little content out there that speaks about the sex life of Australians over sixty, the exception to that is a recently published study that revealed cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are increasing among older women in Australia at a faster rate than among younger women. According to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, ‘The issues are that many older women don’t see themselves at risk of STIs… They also probably missed out on the safer sex messages of the ‘80s and ‘90s because they might have been in long-term relationships at the time.’
Sex may be wonderful for your health, but ensuring the well-being of yourself and your partner is at the heart of a truly fulfilling intimacy. Be sure to always practise safe sex, use protection, engage in regular check-ups, and of course, stay honest with your partner and your doctor. I promise condoms have come a long way, and there are surprisingly some fun ones out there, members.
One thing I loved when reading through the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website when they were discussing the increase in STIs in older women, was this:
‘Instead of moving into an asexual [the experience of no sexual feelings or desires] old age – as society has always assumed older people would do – these women have carried the sexual freedom from their youth into middle and older age.’
‘When you add divorce, death of a partner, online dating as well as erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra into the mix, today’s older women find themselves living in an entirely new sexual landscape to that of their mothers or grandmothers.’
So, folks, there’s no doubt times have changed. If you aren’t having monogamous sex with a single partner and instead are engaging in a more casual sex setting, it is crucial to practice safe sex.
Our golden years should be a time to cherish and enjoy all aspects of life, including the bond that comes with a passionate and intimate connection. So, members, keep that fire burning - you've earned it!
If you enjoyed or strongly disliked reading this article, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Perhaps there’s a reason this topic isn’t written about often; we were just hoping we could break the stigma.
If we do get some positive feedback, then keep your eyes peeled as we dive into more in-depth discussions of these tips because there is so much more we could all learn about maintaining a sizzling and satisfying relationship well into our senior years!
Keep the fire alive. Image source: Shutterstock.
Now, we know talking about sex isn’t for everyone. So, if this type of content just isn’t for you, in every newsletter, if we write about expert tips and tricks to help seniors keep their love lives sizzling, we will, of course, give a warning so you don’t click and read an article if it’s not in line with your values! So take this as your final warning, members. If you don’t want to read about sex, I recommend reading some other content we’ve produced this week. There’s a bunch of fascinating lifestyle content out at the moment, so why don’t you head over to our lifestyle forum here?
Now, let’s dive into it, shall we? Rediscovering intimacy is essential for maintaining happiness and connection between two people. So, it's no wonder that a whopping 76% of adults aged 65 to 80 consider romantic relationships and sex an essential part of their lives, according to the National Poll on Healthy Ageing.
Please note, members: The above national poll is actually an American one because, funnily enough, we couldn’t find ANY up-to-date surveys on the sex life of Australians over sixty… The most updated content on sex in your senior years was an article about ‘Getting on and still getting it on: a guide to older singles, dating and sex’ by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2015. So I guess, all the more reason I should be writing this.
I know you folks will agree that with age comes wisdom, and seniors boast a wealth of experience to draw on in their everyday lives, but perhaps, their bedroom lives are a little less golden and maybe a little more olden than they’d like them to be. So below, I’m going to explore some essential factors in maintaining a healthy, exciting sex life into your 60s, 70s and beyond.
Embracing physical changes and overcoming challenges
Our bodies naturally undergo various changes as we age, and our health is likely to encounter a few bumps along the road. However, it's crucial to remember that many physical issues can be managed or even conquered to ensure satisfying intimate relationships.
For both men and women, a decline in hormone levels, reduced stamina, and other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can impact their intimate lives. But fear not! By staying in regular communication with your doctor, getting recommendations for medication or supplements, and following a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and exercise, you can work to overcome these challenges.
For men, supplements like vitamin D, red ginseng, l-arginine, and l-carnitine are great natural supplements for erectile dysfunction symptoms. However, as with everything, we recommend talking to a doctor before stocking up.
As for women, there are so many different kinds of lubricants on the market to help with the hormonal changes you have experienced and the difficulty that comes with natural lubrication. It’s best to avoid all the fancy lubricants (unless they are what you prefer!) and stick to more organic, natural lubricants. You can find these at Chemist Warehouse and even Coles for under $15.
It’s true, couples that communicate can conquer (the bedroom)
An open, honest, and playful approach to communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Discuss your concerns, anxieties, desires, and boundaries with your sexual partner, making sure to listen with understanding and without judgement.
Sex doesn’t have to be serious. You can laugh together and make communication an ongoing, enjoyable aspect of your relationship. After all, it’s one of the most natural things humans are made to do, and just because you’re a little older doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy reaching the finish line (if you know what I mean).
Spice it up: Variety is the spice of life
We've all heard the saying, 'familiarity breeds contempt,' and the same can be true for the bedroom! Keep things fresh by changing your routine, trying new sexual positions or locations, experimenting with role-playing, or exploring other forms of physical touch and pleasure.
There is so much information out there about the best sexual positions for someone who is ageing, so don’t be afraid to do some research, and if this article goes well, and you’d like to hear more, I will write a lot more about what the experts recommend when it comes to well, positioning yourself, and making sure no-one gets injured.
Safety first
Now, as I said above that there is very little content out there that speaks about the sex life of Australians over sixty, the exception to that is a recently published study that revealed cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are increasing among older women in Australia at a faster rate than among younger women. According to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, ‘The issues are that many older women don’t see themselves at risk of STIs… They also probably missed out on the safer sex messages of the ‘80s and ‘90s because they might have been in long-term relationships at the time.’
Sex may be wonderful for your health, but ensuring the well-being of yourself and your partner is at the heart of a truly fulfilling intimacy. Be sure to always practise safe sex, use protection, engage in regular check-ups, and of course, stay honest with your partner and your doctor. I promise condoms have come a long way, and there are surprisingly some fun ones out there, members.
One thing I loved when reading through the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website when they were discussing the increase in STIs in older women, was this:
‘Instead of moving into an asexual [the experience of no sexual feelings or desires] old age – as society has always assumed older people would do – these women have carried the sexual freedom from their youth into middle and older age.’
‘When you add divorce, death of a partner, online dating as well as erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra into the mix, today’s older women find themselves living in an entirely new sexual landscape to that of their mothers or grandmothers.’
So, folks, there’s no doubt times have changed. If you aren’t having monogamous sex with a single partner and instead are engaging in a more casual sex setting, it is crucial to practice safe sex.
Our golden years should be a time to cherish and enjoy all aspects of life, including the bond that comes with a passionate and intimate connection. So, members, keep that fire burning - you've earned it!
If you enjoyed or strongly disliked reading this article, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Perhaps there’s a reason this topic isn’t written about often; we were just hoping we could break the stigma.
If we do get some positive feedback, then keep your eyes peeled as we dive into more in-depth discussions of these tips because there is so much more we could all learn about maintaining a sizzling and satisfying relationship well into our senior years!
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
