Working Caregiver- Relationships
Sex is an important part of any relationship
Too Old for Sex?
That might be what younger generations want to think when they just don't want the thought that mom and dad or grandma or grandpa still have sex burned into their minds; but the reality is, at any age, sex is an important part of any relationship, and it can help older adults feel young while it improves health and emotional well-being!
Depending upon age and level of physical mobility, sex in the traditional form of the word may not always be possible, but some level of physical intimacy between spouses or partners is still possible into older adulthood, and an effort to keep the bond alive should be made well into the senior years.
There are a number of challenges that a senior couple needs to overcome in order to make sex both possible and enjoyable, but there are easy solutions so that the passion and intimacy will not fizzle out. It's not uncommon for elderly men to suffer from erectile dysfunction, and many older women may find that sexual intercourse is physically painful. In some cases, seniors may feel like they've lost their libido; but the good news is that these are things that can be overcome so that seniors can still have sex!
For seniors struggling with their sex lives, the first area to look at is the medications that they are taking. Often, prescription medications for high blood pressure and anti-depressants can make seniors of both genders feel like they have lost their libido, and can cause erectile dysfunction in elderly men. Seniors should start by talking to their doctors about the potential effects that their medications are having on their sex life, and find out if there are alternative prescriptions they could switch to in order to control their health and bring back their sex life. Natural medications might also be an option if all available prescriptions to treat medical conditions have a known affect on libido. Specific medications are also available to treat erectile dysfunction in men, and for most elderly women experiencing pain during intercourse, it's as easy as using a lubricant to reduce friction.
Seniors should also look at other aspects of their life that might be affecting their ability to have an intimate relationship with their partner. A sex therapist might be able to help identify potential roadblocks and form a stronger bond between a couple who wants to renew their sex life. If family relationships, like a frequent presence of grandchildren, might be playing a role in a diminished sex life, this can be identified and compromises can be made to ensure a more balanced relationship between elderly partners. Last but not least, if physical abilities stand in the way of sexual intercourse, seniors just need to get creative when it comes to their sex life. It’s the intimacy that’s important, so if new positions don’t work for intercourse, try oral sex, sensual touching or massage, or simply kissing and cuddling to make sure that emotional and physical bond lasts.
Remember, if you are married, you probably promised your spouse "until death do us part", and even if you"re physically present in the relationship, you need to be there emotionally as well, and sex will keep the intimacy alive!
Via: Suite101
