Sexual desire tends to decline with age due to a combination of biological changes, general health, medications, and psychological/relational factors. And above all: it's not inevitable, nor is it the same for everyone.
The main factors are:
- Hormones. In men, testosterone tends to gradually decline with age; in women, menopause brings a sharp decline in estrogen and changes in androgen levels. Sex hormones contribute to sexual desire, arousal, and response.
- The body responds differently to stimulation. As we age, it can take longer and more intense stimulation to achieve arousal; erectile difficulties are more common in men, while women may experience dryness and pain during penetration. These problems can, in turn, reduce sexual desire.
- General health. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, obesity, and other conditions can reduce energy and desire or make sexual activity more difficult.
- Medicines. Some antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, and other medications can reduce libido, arousal, or orgasmic ability.
- Psychology and relationships. Depression, anxiety, stress, changes in body image, and relationship problems can have a significant impact.
Age, however, doesn't necessarily dampen desire . Some people maintain a high libido even into their 70s or 80s; in some cases, sexuality may even improve because there are fewer pressures related to work, children, and performance.
A German study of adults aged 60–82 , compared with a sample of 22–36 year olds , found that nearly a third of those over 60 had higher sexual activity and sexual thoughts than the average young adult.
To best enjoy sexuality in old age, and not waste it, doctors suggest:
- Accept the changes in your body and don't always try to force it with interventions, for example, plastic surgery.
- Plan and seek out intimate moments with complete freedom.
- Surprise your partner with something unusual.
- Indulging in the pleasure of masturbation
- Never stop courting, even your partner
Read also:
- Men don't go into andropause
- How to protect fertility
- Hot flashes during menopause: the best natural solutions
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