Sex 60 S

Sex 60 S
Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on April 14, 2021
© 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info
Sex after 60? That’s a big yes. Many mature couples have better love lives than they did in their more youthful days. There are lots of reasons for this. They have deeper intimacy with partners, fewer distractions, no pregnancy concerns, and just plain more time to get busy. Plus, they have much more know-how and done-that than those young things on TV.
Around midlife -- age 45 or so -- new issues can temporarily dampen your love life, though. Sex hormones take a big dip. For women, menopause brings a plunge in estrogen and androgens. Your vaginal walls get thinner and drier. Men see a nosedive of testosterone and estrogen about the same time. This can make it difficult to get an erection (erectile dysfunction, or ED). Changes in the brain and your blood flow switch things up, too.
The main sexual problems for women tend to be trouble getting to orgasm, lack of desire, and vaginal dryness. Your vagina shortens and narrows with age. It doesn’t moisten itself as easily as before. This can cause pain when you have sex. Lubed condoms, water-based lubricating jelly, and vaginal moisturizers might do the trick. Your doctor might also prescribe vaginal estrogen, which comes as a cream, a pill or tablet, or an insert.
The main age-related sexual problem for men is erectile dysfunction, or ED. Erections don’t come -- and stay -- like they used to. Your penis might not get as hard or big as before. One of four ED drugs might be the answer. But they can have side effects. They can also clash with drugs that contain nitrates. Be wary of herbs and supplements that promise a fast fix. Always talk to your doctor before you try them.
Diabetes can cause ED for men, especially those with type 2. Poor blood sugar control can, over time, damage nerves and blood vessels that supply sex organs. Meds, a penis pump, or even a penile implant can help. Women with this condition can also have less feeling in their genitals. It also causes more vaginal yeast infections, which can irritate this area and make it difficult or unpleasant to have sex. But they’re easily treated.
A heart attack during sex might make for good TV, but it doesn’t often happen in real life. Heart disease does make your arteries narrow and harden, so your blood doesn’t flow as easily. You might find it hard to get aroused or have orgasms. But once it’s treated, your doctor likely will give you the green light. Be sure to tell your doctor about any chest pain, problems breathing, or symptoms that get worse.
Other medical conditions that can affect your sex life include weight gain, arthritis, chronic pain, bladder control problems, dementia, high blood pressure or cholesterol, side effects from meds, depression, and stroke. Also, surgery -- especially in sexual areas -- can affect your self-image and how you feel. Talk with each other about ways you can stay close. Put aside caregiving roles when you can to focus on being a partner.
You might not find it easy to talk about this subject with your doctor. The truth is, they might have trouble talking about it, too. They might be more likely to bring it up when it relates to other conditions. It can help to ask direct questions, such as: Can you recommend a sex counselor, and is this covered by Medicare? Do any of my meds cause sex problems? Would it help me to take estrogen? Is there an alternative to ED drugs?
If your primary doctor isn’t helpful, consider a sex therapist or other trained counselor. They’ll talk with you about your concerns and help come up with ways to meet your needs as a couple. Maybe the answer is more foreplay, or more direct stimulation. If a condition like arthritis makes it hard to enjoy sex, they can suggest new positions that are more comfortable and satisfying for you both.
Common sense and a creative spirit can spark new ways to enjoy sex. For example, if a flat surface doesn’t work for your knees, a new position or special furniture can offer another angle. If you have problems getting aroused, a vibrator can help get blood moving. It’s natural to worry about “getting back into the swing of things” if you’ve been inactive for a while. But just having sex can help you relax and let desire take the lead.
STDs are equal-opportunity diseases: They don’t discriminate by age. If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk for STDs. These include chlamydia, genital warts or herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Also, the number of older people with HIV and AIDS is growing. You should always keep up on your checkups and tests, use condoms, and keep up honest communication with your partner.
With better health, meds, and more ways to meet people, such as online, older adults can enjoy dating -- and sex -- at any age. But you need to stay savvy. Learn your partner’s history before you have sex of any kind. Both of you should get tested first, too. Always use a condom and water-based lubricant, which protects against sores or cuts that can raise your chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Couples clash at times about sex drive -- or lack of it. For women, the drop in estrogen, bowel and bladder problems, breast atrophy, or cystitis after sex can dampen desire. Men with ED or other problems might just not want to “go there.” Think about your partner’s point of view. When you talk about your feelings and needs, do it from an “I” standpoint: “I’d enjoy it if we … .” This lets you express yourself without hurting feelings.
Why bother, you ask? Short answer: The benefits of sex are many. Just a few reasons to keep at it (and going solo counts): It boosts your immune system, burns calories, lowers blood pressure, helps you relax, eases pain, keeps your mind sharp, and may lessen the risk of heart attack and prostate cancer. It keeps you and your partner close. It just may help you live longer. Oh, and it makes you happy.
You can be intimate and loving -- and sexy, too -- without intercourse. Lovemaking includes caressing, hugging, kissing, and manual or oral stimulation. Any loving or intimate expression can make your intimate life full. If you don’t have a partner, self-stimulation -- aka masturbation -- is a healthy, satisfying route to reap the many benefits of sex.
National Institute on Aging: “Sexuality in Later Life.”
Journal for Nurse Practitioners : “Sexuality and Quality of Life in Aging: Implications for Practice.”
Mayo Clinic: “Vaginal Atrophy,” “Estrogen (Vaginal Route),” “Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes: Take Control Today,” “Chronic Pain,” “Sexual Health and Aging: Keep the Passion Alive,” “Sexual Health.”
Health in Aging Foundation: “Sexual Health: Care & Treatment,” “What to Ask: Sexual Health,” “Safe Sex For Seniors.”
American Heart Association: “Sex and Heart Disease.”
BMC Family Practice : “Views of family physicians on heterosexual sexual function in older adults.”
American Society on Aging: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About (Late-Life) Sex.”
National Institute on Aging: “Sexuality in Later Life.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Erectile Dysfunction.”
Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology : “Sexual Function in Elderly Women: A Review of Current Literature.”
Journals of Gerontology: “Frequent Sexual Activity Predicts Specific Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults.”
AARP.org: “8 Reasons Sex Improves Your Health.”
© 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Your weekday morning guide to breaking news, cultural analysis, and everything in between
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
In the 1960s, sex was a revolution.
Marcia Goldstein, the publicity director of Planned Parenthood, shows a sign advertising birth control that would soon be displayed on New York buses, on Dec. 14, 1967.
The 1960s were a turning point for sexuality in the West. What became known as the sexual revolution was spurred by the approval of the Pill in the US and motivated by a newfound energy behind feminist and civil rights movements. In art, cinema, and music, human sexuality was something to be celebrated and explored, while the ongoing war in Vietnam thrust an entire generation of young people into an early adulthood.
From the normalization of pornography and premarital sex to erotic expressions of fashion and art, these pictures capture the lasting legacy of the sexual revolution during the 1960s.
A group of women march under a "women's liberation" banner and in support of the Black Panther Party in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1969.
A nurse teaches a group of young women how to properly use a diaphragm contraceptive in 1967.
A pharmacist sorts 150,000 Volidan birth control pills in London on Aug. 17, 1965.
Demonstrators remove their bras during an anti-bra protest outside a San Francisco department store in 1969.
A pair of Playboy Bunnies pose for a photo at the Playboy Club in New York in 1962.
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner arrives at the London Airport from Chicago with an entourage of Playboy Bunnies on June 26, 1966.
Left: Model Valerie St. Helene shows off the latest bikini fashions at the Trend Swimwear Show in London in 1969. Right: Model Twiggy poses for Vogue in a signature Sant'Angelo suede dress in 1967.
A poster for the pornographic film Confessions of a Sexy Supervixen , directed by Russ Meyer, in 1967.
Pop artist Andy Warhol and actor Mario Montez on the set of his film Chelsea Girls , in New York City, 1967.
Left: A poster for the German release of Paul Morrissey's 1969 film Andy Warhol's Flesh . Right: A poster for the German release of Andy Warhol's 1969 film Blue Movie .
Left: A go-go dancer swings at a discotheque, 1968. Right: Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones poses for a portrait session, circa 1969.
American actors Elliott Gould, Natalie Wood, Robert Culp, and Dyan Cannon in a promotional still from the film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice , directed by Paul Mazursky, 1969.
Left: Julie Newmar in costume as Catwoman in a promotional portrait for the television series Batman , circa 1966. Right: Fashion model Donyale Luna takes a cigarette break during a fashion show, 1967.
Brigitte Bardot on the set of the French program Sacha Show on March 13, 1969.
An NYPD detective examines erotic books during a raid on illegal pornographic materials in 1960.
Theater marquees featuring sex shows in Times Square, New York, in 1967.
The cast of And Puppy Dog Tails, an off-Broadway gay liberation play, poses for a portrait during the 1969 theatrical season.
A group of Marines ogle a pinup outside their bunkers at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, on Jan. 2, 1969.
Left: Marine Cpl. Billy Winn's helmet scrawled with political slogans in 1968. Right: Off the coast of Vietnam, actor Joey Heatherton entertains the troops on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga in 1965.
Young Mods make out in a London park in 1964.
A group of naked hippies lounge on the beach during the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969.
A nude man bathes in the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza fountain, as a crowd of 12,500 peace marchers converged to protest the draft and the Vietnam War. He later managed to escape when police gave chase.
A pair of naked hippies stroll on the beach during the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969.
Got a confidential tip? 👉 Submit it here

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .

Medically reviewed by
Jenny Sweigard, MD

Learn about our
Medical Expert Board

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Marian Eure, RN, is a registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in adult health care, health promotion, and health education.
Jenny Sweigard, MD, is a board-certified physician involved in patient care, including general medicine and critical care medicine.

Some people believe that sex life after 60 is somehow less enjoyable or necessary than it was before. While adults over 60 may have sex less than they did in their 20s and 30s, there are few reasons why sex cannot be any less pleasurable or passionate than it ever was.

There may be adjustments that people over 60 need to make, but that is also true with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that older adults need to make to maintain a high quality of life.

This article takes a closer look at what to expect from sex after 60, including the benefits to your health and emotional well-being. It also offers tips on how to keep your sex life active and enjoyable as you get older.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 40% of people between the ages of 65 and 80 are sexually active. Of these, 73% say they are satisfied with their sex lives. Among those with spouses or partners, 54% said they were sexually active. 1

Due to advances in healthcare and nutrition, adults today are living longer and better than ever. Problems that used to limit sexual activity in older adults, such as erectile dysfunction and low libido (sex drive), can now be treated medically or with counseling and changes in lifestyle.

As people age, they tend to have sex less frequently. This may be due to age-related hormonal changes, long-standing illnesses, and changed priorities, among other factors. 2

A 2011 study of people ages 44 to 72 found that females had less sex after 60 because they were outliving their partners. Males over 60, on the other hand, had more sex. That is until they hit age 72, at which point their poorer physical health leads to a decline in sex frequency. 3

Interestingly, the introduction of Viagra (sildenafil) in 2010 had no impact on the frequency of sex in males who took the erectile dysfunction drug compared to those who didn't. 3

Similarly, studies show that while menopause affects sexual function in older females, it doesn't affect the frequency of sex when comparing women treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to those who were not treated. 4

It's time to put aside clichés that vigorous sex in older adults can be detrimental or even dangerous. There are numerous health benefits associated with an active sex life after age 60. These include:

Intimacy doesn't become any less important when you hit 60. With that said, the nature of intimacy can undoubtedly evolve.

Research suggests that sexual well-being in older adults is defined by five factors: 9

As people reach an older age, they tend to characterize sexual satisfaction within the context of these five factors.

More often, older adults put a higher priority on intimacy, bonding, and affection than on sex itself. Moreover, they tend to regard partnered sex as more intimate than sex with multiple or occasional partners. 10

With that said, intimacy in the absence of sex does not translate to the same levels of satisfaction.

According to a 2020 study of around 3,800 older adults, the combination of intimacy and frequency of sexual intercourse corresponded to feelings of sexual well-being. The absence of either tended to reduce these feelings in both males and females. 11

There are several things you can do to keep your sex life alive as you get older. They all start by taking care of themselves. If you are not physically and emotionally healthy, it will be that much harder to remain sexually healthy.

If you eat healthily and exercise regularly, you'll almost always have more energy and a better sense of well-being. Both can improve your libido and sexual function.

Having obesity or being overweight affects sexual function even in young people. However, the impact tends to be greater in older adults due to higher rates of heart disease, respiratory disease, and other aging-related illnesses. 12

By contrast, achieving and maintaining an ideal weight through diet and exercise can improve sexual function at almost any age. 12

A 2020 study found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish—and low in red and processed meats—was associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. The study, which involved men between 40 and 75, found this association among all age groups. 13

Among females, routine exercise is typically associated with improved sexual function during and after menopause. Specific activities, like pelvic floor exercises , are seen to have a significant, direct impact on sexual function in older females.

Older couples are commonly faced with issues that directly impact sexual function. These include erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness and pain, and reduced libido.

Each can be treated in different ways:

Speak with your primary care provider or gynecologist. You can also ask for a referral to a specialist called a urologist who specializes in disorders of the urinary and reproductive tracts.

Many people over 60 have an active sex life. Having a satisfying sex life can not only make you feel better about yourself and your relationship but may also reduce your risk of chronic illness, improve your memory and cognitive function, and even enhance your sexual function.

As people age, they tend to prioritize intimacy and emotional connection over sex. Even so, the frequency of sex remains vital to the sexual well-being of both older males and females.

Overcoming sexual dysfunction common in older adults can help keep your sex life alive. Speak with your healthcare provider about the options available to you.

Distress over changes in sexual function can put a strain on even the best of relationships. Keeping quiet about it rarely makes things better.

One of the ways to keep your sex life alive is to speak with your partner openly and honestly about any problems you may be having. It may not only help you find solutions but may also bring you closer together as a couple.

If you are single, it is also important to seek medical care if sexual dysfunction is causing you anxiety . Keeping silent only increases the risk of isolation and depression.

With that said, being single and not having sex is great too if you are happy and well-adjusted. Not having sex doesn't mean that you are at greater risk of poor health. As long as you take care of your physical or emotional health, your outlook can be as bright as anyone else.

National Poll on Healthy Aging. Let's talk about sex .
International Society for Sexual Medicine. What is the "normal" frequency of sex? .
Karraker A, DeLamater J, Schwartz CR. Sexual frequency decline from midlife to later life . J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2011;66B(4):502–512. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbr058
Thorton K, Chervanak J, Neal-Perry G. Menopause and sexuality . Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am . 2015 Sep;44(3):649–61. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2015.05.009
Erens B, M
Diggi Diggi Hole
Man Pisses Porn
Chanel Santini Porn Videos

Sex 60 S

Report Page