Those who believe that sex ceases to play an important role in people’s lives as they age may want to reconsider. A 2017 national survey of seniors conducted at the University of Michigan revealed that 40% of men and women between the ages of 65 and 80 are still having sex. For those in relationships, that figure rose to 54%. 61% of survey participants reported that sex is still an important factor in their quality of life.
However, the experience of sex can change during a person’s lifetime, largely due to physical changes associated with aging, but also due to psychological and social factors.
Physical Changes in Women
Most women who experience age-related changes in their sexuality find that these changes occur after menopause, when levels of estrogen and other sex hormones decline. Here are some of the more common physical changes in women that can affect their sex life as they age:
- Vaginal lubrication may decrease, leading to vaginal dryness, which can make penetration painful or uncomfortable
- The vaginal walls may become thinner, stiffer and less elastic
- The sinus itself can become shorter and narrower
- Sexual arousal time can be increased, meaning it takes longer for a woman to become sexually aroused
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may be more common and this can cause incontinence problems such as leaking urine during sex
- Orgasm intensity may decrease
Hormone therapy (taking synthetic estrogen by mouth or using vaginal estrogen) is often an effective treatment option for women who want to reduce the effects of these physical changes. Over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers may make sex more comfortable for women experiencing vaginal dryness. Women with sexual incontinence problems may also consider pelvic floor therapy.
Physical changes in men
Several changes occur in men as they grow older, which can affect sexuality. Some men may experience a decrease in testosterone which can contribute to differences in sexual experiences or sexual symptoms. These changes may include:
- Slower sexual response time
- Erections that don’t last as long as before
- Reduction in firmness and size of erections
- The loss of erection after orgasm happens more quickly
- A longer period of time is required between erections, as well as between orgasms (ejaculations)
- Higher chance of erectile dysfunction (ED), or inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for intercourse
Men experiencing ED can benefit from seeing a health professional about their condition because it has many possible causes that are treated in different ways. Medicines such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis can be helpful in treating ED. A competent health care provider may otherwise recommend hormone therapy (taking synthetic testosterone), a penis pump, penile injections, or a penile implant, among other treatments. Sex therapists can also suggest adjustments to a couple’s sexual script or style to facilitate meaningful sexual interactions.
Psychological and Social Factors
The psychological and social factors that affect people’s sexuality as they age are just as important, though perhaps not as widely discussed, as the physical changes that accompany aging. In many cultures, sex is associated with youth, and older people may feel less desirable. This can negatively affect one’s self-esteem, which can, in turn, impair sexual performance.
Losing a romantic partner is also more common later in life, which has many consequences for one’s emotional and sexual health. Of course, losing someone so close can lead to depression. Additionally, those who have been in relationships for most of their lives may not know how to deal with their sexual feelings without their long-term sexual partner.
Finally, a person may find that they are no longer interested in sex, even if they were interested in sex earlier in their life. Although life still makes sense without sex, this change in attitude can be hard to come to terms with at first.
Counseling can be a helpful, healthy way to deal with the psychological and social factors that affect sexuality, especially during major life changes such as the loss of a spouse.
Resources:
NIH National Institute on Aging. (2017, November 30). Sexuality in later life.
Norton, A. (2018, May 3). Sex still matters to many older people, survey finds. WebMD.
Stibich, M. Medically revised by Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD. (2020, April 23). Sexual activity among older populations: Statistics, problems, and improving sex life as people age. Very good health.
Healthwise University of Michigan staff. Medically reviewed by Anne C. Poinier, MD. (2020, December 7). Sexuality and physical changes with aging.
