SEX AND SEXUALITY IN SENIORS

Time changes a lot of things but when it comes to sex and seniors, traditional norms still hold sway. There is still a lot of social stigma attached to sexual activities among seniors. Physical contact and public display of affection between two older persons is frowned upon in many Asian societies. It is still considered shameful for middle-aged couples to hold hands in public. And kissing? Don't even think about it!

Young adults find it embarrassing when their parents act lovey dovey in front of them. They cannot and will not accept that their parents are still "doing it". To them, the mere thought of older people in their 60s or 70s enjoying sexual intimacy is gross and disgusting.

What do seniors themselves think about sex at their age? A comprehensive  sex study carried out among 57-85 year-olds in the United States revealed that a high percentage of seniors remained sexually active, although this tapered off as they entered their 70s and 80s. The results were published in 2007 in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Click here to read more about the study.)

A more recent study done this year in the UK showed similar trends. 50% of the 8000 people aged 50 and above said they had sex at least once a week. More than a quarter of the men and a third of the women enjoy sex more than when they were in their 20s. 71 per cent reported having a healthy sex life,

Hefner, 87, with his new wife Crystal, 26

Men, regardless, of their age, never stop thinking about sex. Thanks to the easy availability of drugs for erectile dysfunction, impotence is no longer a barrier to enjoying sex. Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner, 87, is a walking commercial for Viagra, and a living testimony that age truly doesn't matter when it comes to sex.

For menopausal women, the use of lubricant removes the problem of 'sandpaper-sex' caused by vaginal dryness. Women born after WW2 are sexually more liberated and more adventurous with their partners. That makes for more satisfying sex among older couples.

Sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) is on the rise among older people. Above is a poster ad for a safe sex campaign. Click here to watch the video version. Some might find it a little distasteful. It's not meant to be taken seriously anyway. Enjoy a good laugh at some of the positions.

A word of caution though. Be mindful that age imposes certain limits to what the physical body can perform. You don't want to end up with stiff backs, pulled muscles and God forbid, a heart attack! There are safe positions that still allow for full sexual stimulation and enjoyment.

For an insightful discussion on sex and seniors, do watch this no-holds-barred video below. You have to give it to Australians for being very open and frank about the subject.