Jamaica is currently observing Safer Sex Week from February 11 to 17, 2024. In this article, we delve into the topic of sex in senior years, exploring how older adults can cultivate a healthy sex life regardless of their age. We'll hear from seniors sharing their experiences with sex, and medical experts will provide essential details on the practice of maintaining a healthy and enjoyable sex life.
Colliecia Wright/Media Intern
Awkward!!!
As a 21-year-old, contemplating seniors engaging in sex or even discussing the topic with my grandmother, that’s the word that comes to mind. I eagerly anticipate a future with a healthy sex life, but I hadn't considered how it might evolve as we enter our senior years. This research opened my eyes to the fact that ageing does not diminish the need for intimacy and connection. While physical and emotional changes may occur, the desire for fulfilling relationship experiences remains.
Relationship and Marriage Counsellor, Rev. Dr. Stevenson Samuels, highlights the crucial role sex plays in relationship bonding. He explains that during sex, chemicals like oxytocin and vasopressin are released, fostering a deeper connection between partners. This is especially vital for seniors, who may experience feelings of loneliness as their families evolve and careers come to an end.
“Sex is important for persons who are seniors because in this stage they experience emptiness especially when the family is gone,” says Dr. Samuels.
The relationship counsellor explains that frequently, it's family members like children who have kept the relationship intact. However, once they have moved out and the couple becomes empty nesters, the relationship may become vulnerable. "Sex can alleviate the tension, anxiety, and void that remains," he adds.
He continues, noting that with more free time, intimate bonds provide stimulation that compensates for the loss of engagement from work and connections. "During their retirement years, individuals may experience a sense of loss due to non-employment."
Dr. Samuels points out the impact of hormonal changes on sexual desire, particularly the decline in testosterone levels as individuals age. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including libido or sex drive.
While testosterone is often associated with men, women also produce testosterone, although generally in smaller amounts than men. Testosterone is primarily produced in the testicles in men, and the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. In women, testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, sex drive, vaginal health, and overall wellbeing.
“You find that the sex drive you have at 25, will not be the same at age 80 however if it is possible, still have sex. It builds bond and attraction between a couple,” stresses Dr. Samuels.
Real Stories of Joy
“Sex was meant to be and so I will enjoy it while I can”
- Clifford Wright, 70
Sixty-year-old Rose Hunter from Jamaica is grateful that she has a very active and healthy sex life with her nearly 70-year-old spouse. “Just the thought of still being able to do it and still being able to enjoy it gives me joy.”
Mrs. Hunter shares that for her, sex in senior years makes her feel loved and strengthens the communication in her marriage. She acknowledges that seniors may not be as young as years gone, but everyone deserves to feel adored in their special way.
“Though I enjoy sex in this stage of my life, there are still some challenges. I do experience some pains because remember I am not young anymore,” she laughs. Certain sex positions cannot be dared due to physical challenges but that does not stop her and her hubby from having fun.
Clifford Wright, a 70-year-old from Florida in the United States of America, echoes similar sentiments. “Sex was meant to be and so I will enjoy it while I can,” says Wright. He was quick to note that he experiences no challenges in the bedroom, and intimacy has improved the bond within his marriage.
Wright advises: “Senior people should embrace this time in their life, yes we are getting older but that does not change a thing. Sex keeps the spice in the marriage.”
However, not every senior experiences the same enthusiasm. Eighty-year-old Edith Robinson from Jamaica shares that sex is no longer enjoyable for her due to physical changes and entering menopause. “It is too painful now, ever since I turned 40, menopause changed a lot of things for me, so I don’t have sex as much anymore and I don’t enjoy it like back in the days,” says Mrs. Robinson.
She reveals that medical exams such as pap smears are painful for her, and are an uncomfortable reminder of why she has not been more sexually active at this stage in life.
Medical Doctor, Dr. Romario Williams, emphasises the importance of caution for seniors with chronic illnesses.
Experts' Insights on Safer Sex
Experts, including healthcare professionals and sexual health specialists, share valuable insights on maintaining a healthy and safer sex life during the senior years. These professionals empower older adults to prioritise sexual health and wellbeing.
Watch The Bad Heart
Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Dr. Horace Fletcher, emphasises that sex is perfectly normal for seniors as it is for younger folks. “If they have a bad heart then they should be a bit more careful,” Dr. Fletcher cautions. If they have a ‘bad heart’, meaning heart organ issues namely heart disease or previous heart attack diagnosis, then they should take precautions when engaging in sexual activities.
Medical Doctor, Dr. Romario Williams, emphasises the importance of caution for seniors with chronic illnesses. Conditions such as diabetes (sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, osteoporosis, and heart disease should be approached with care. According to the doctor, poorly managed illnesses can contribute to complications during sexual activity for seniors.
“Sex creates a space for healthy communication,” says Dr. Williams. A safe space for older couples to discuss with each other their concerns as it relates to sexual health and insecurities.
Lubrication
“As women get older they become less ‘wet’ and there is a need for lubrication,” informs Dr. Fletcher. As women age, especially during and after menopause, hormonal changes can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels. One consequence of lower estrogen levels is a reduction in vaginal lubrication, which can result in vaginal dryness. This can become a common challenge among senior women who are sexually active.
Using lubrication can help alleviate discomfort and improve sexual experiences for women experiencing vaginal dryness. Older women need to discuss any concerns about sexual health or changes in their bodies with their doctor, who can offer guidance and appropriate treatments to address these issues.
Practice Safer Sex
Dr. Fletcher advises seniors to use protection, especially if they have doubts about their partner's fidelity, to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A Forbes Magazine article, '20% Of Americans Have An STI, But It’s Not Necessarily Who You Think’, written by Nicole F. Roberts and published in January 2024, reveals that researchers have been caught off guard by a growing body of data in America.
Studies show that the rates of STIs, including HIV, are rising at a faster pace among individuals aged 55 and older compared to other age groups. The article states, that while seniors still have a lower STI rate than other groups, the number of infections in that age range, adjusted for population, has more than doubled from 11.8 per 100,000 to 24.5 for just five years.
The Forbes article reports: “This increase can be attributed in part to the larger population of Baby Boomers transitioning into the senior age bracket. People over the age of 55 are far less likely to take precautions such as using condoms. Not only because of less concern over getting pregnant, but because peers and health providers are less likely to talk to them about the concerns of unprotected sex.”
Sex Reduces Stress
Research indicates that sex can enhance self-esteem in older adults, addressing a common challenge associated with aging. “Sex in senior years helps reduce stress and burns calories,” offers Dr. Williams. “The more sexually active seniors are, the more they feel better about themselves,” he adds.
Similarly, “They don’t have to worry about pregnancy,” says Dr. Fletcher. Which for some, creates a different level of enjoyment reducing stress levels as seniors do not have to be concerned about the possibility of getting pregnant.
Combats Menopause Symptoms
Dr. Williams outlines that sex also counteracts some symptoms of menopause. Having regular sex helps to reduce the vaginal symptoms caused by menopause as it strengthens the vaginal tissues.
Regular sexual activity can have some positive effects on vaginal health, particularly in terms of maintaining vaginal elasticity and lubrication. This can potentially help alleviate some symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Sexual activity helps also to promote blood flow to the pelvic region, which may contribute to the health of vaginal tissues.
The doctor warns that while sexual activity may provide some relief for vaginal symptoms of menopause, it is not a substitute for medical treatments or interventions specifically designed to address menopausal symptoms. Women experiencing significant discomfort or symptoms related to menopause should consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate guidance and treatment options.
Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk
As it relates to men, Dr. Williams said frequent ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The prostate gland is a component of the ejaculation process. There is some evidence to suggest that there may be a correlation between ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Several studies have investigated this association, with some finding a potential protective effect of frequent ejaculation against prostate cancer development.
Sexual activity may have potential benefits for prostate health, but it should not be viewed as a sole or guaranteed preventive measure against prostate cancer. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle factors, and overall health, also play significant roles in prostate cancer risk.
Keep It Spicy
Dr. Samuels offers some tips on how seniors can keep it spicy in the bedroom. Communication, experimentation, prioritise foreplay, and addressing sexual health concerns, are just some ways in which seniors can keep their sex life spicy.
“Watch your diet because diet can help to improve your sexual health,” he says.
Maintain Physical and Spiritual Health
The relationship and marriage counsellor, Dr. Stevenson Samuels, warns senior couples to prioritise physical health. He emphasises that if their bodies are not agile they may lose the urge for sex. Physical wellbeing positively impacts sexual function and vitality. Seniors should stay active, maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and manage stress well.
With a ministry background dating back to 1998, Dr. Samuels also stresses the importance of spiritual wellbeing for seniors. “Some people view spirituality as anti-sexual, but the truth is, the more a couple is spiritually connected, the better their sexual experience will be.”
Furthermore, Dr. Samuels suggests that seniors explore sexual literature from credible sources to increase their knowledge of sexual health and relationships.
The consensus from the experts is that, as in other aspects of healthcare, older adults must seek specialised advice and guidance on sexual health to continue to enjoy fulfilling and safe sexual experiences.
In conclusion, while the topic of sex in senior years may initially seem uncomfortable, it's an essential aspect of healthy ageing. This exploration allowed me to appreciate the experiences of seniors and dispel the notion that 'fun' has an age limit. Let's embrace the wisdom and experiences shared by our elders, recognising that intimacy knows no age limits.
Colliecia Wright, a media intern at Golden Designs, specialises in crafting press releases and blog articles. As a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology at UTECH, she is dedicated to uplifting minds through the power of words.
Your Thoughts Matter
We invite you to share your thoughts on sex in senior years. What experiences or insights do you have to contribute? Remember to keep your comments respectful and considerate. Let's continue the conversation on healthy ageing and intimacy.
What about single Seniors?
ReplyDeleteWell done Colliecia. This very question crossed my mind recently and you’ve adequately and appropriately answered. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteA very informative article. The seniors and those heading up to senior years can have information at their finger tip. Well done Colliecia
ReplyDeleteWell done Colliecia. Keep on putting out meaningful information.
ReplyDeleteVery insightful article. Well done young journalist. This made me think about things I’ve never taken the time to consider. Honestly, I didn’t see ppl over 60 as sexual beings anymore. It’s kind of encouraging that seniors can have active sex lives in marriage (and I say this because there is another narrative with the older men and young women). As a young woman, I’m happy to know I’ll still be able to enjoy sex with my future husband even when we’re seniors. ❤️
ReplyDelete