It’s Dr. DRAI- I’m back. Now you know I want to make sure that you ladies are taking good care of yourselves and maintaining your sexual health well past your youthful days. It would be nice if we could stay young forever but we can’t. However, if we take care of ourselves now, we can be ensured a satisfying sex life for years to come.

Some people believe that once a person reaches the older adult age range, he will no longer show any interest in doing the things he used to enjoy such as sex and intimacy. This is untrue, of course, for the need for intimacy has no age limits. A person’s hunger for affection, intimacy, and emotional bond with another person is limitless.      

However, there are still a significant number of older men and women who no longer have a fulfilling and happy sexual and intimate relationship with their partner. When a person doesn’t have a healthy physical and emotional relationship with someone, he or she may suffer from low self-esteem and poor physical health. 

What causes poor sexual health?

As one ages, his body experiences physical and physiological changes that can affect his sexual health and relationship with another person. 

Common physical changes

• When a woman ages, she will eventually experience physical changes in the body that can be attributed to hormonal imbalance and menopause. For instance, the vagina takes a longer time to lubricate and swell when aroused. This physical change can make intercourse painful, thus, resulting in decreased or loss of interest in sex.

• In men, the most common physical change is difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. Erections do not last long and are less firm.

Common physiological changes 

• The mind also experiences certain changes as individual ages. These changes can also significantly affect one’s sexual stamina or desire for sex. If an adult person is ashamed of his sexual needs and preferences, then it may probably lead to aversion from sex.

• Also, when one notices gray hairs and wrinkles on his or her face, the tendency is that he or she may feel less attractive, thus, reducing his or her sexual drive. Another common physiological change associated with aging is stress. When an aging individual worry too much about his sexual performance, this often leads to impotence for men and a decreased desire to have sex for women.

So, how can you improve your sexual health?

Aging adults can improve and maintain their sexual health and stamina. However, it requires serious communication in the relationship if one wants to improve and maintain his or her sex life. The following are a couple of helpful tips on how aging adults can improve their sexual health:

1. There is more to sex than just penetration – Remember that intimate gestures such as touching and holding hands are a perfect alternative to sex. Oral sex, masturbation, and sensual massage are also great substitutes for penetrative sex.

2. Keep your body healthy and well-tuned – Maintaining a healthy and fit body keeps a person’s body ready for sex. As such, it is highly advised to aging men and women to eat a well-balanced diet that includes veggies and fruits. Exercising also helps greatly.

3. Level your expectations – older men and women who have a poor or stagnant sex life are usually the ones who engaged in less sexual activities during their younger years. On the other hand, it is contrary to partners who have active sex lives during their younger years, for they will be able to maintain their sexual stamina even when they get older.

Keep your body healthy and your mind open. See your doctor for any help you need with menopausal symptoms. And of course, stay safe. Until next time #GYNEGirls and #Preggos…