The 5 Myths That Need To Go Away About Older People Having Sex

1. Old people don't ever have sex.

This, of course, is the big one. All those other myths are just the fruit that falls from this poisoned tree. So, for the record: Aging alone does not kill anyone's desire to have sex. Relationship tiffs, hormone shifts and physical abilities may interfere, and older people may not be as horny 24/7 as they were in their 20s, but the desire for sex still there. Sometimes, they just need to look for it.

Being healthy and having open communications certainly helps. So do sex toys, a good imagination and maybe a little blue pill once in a while if necessary.

The real problem, notes Harvard Health Publications, is that our culture exalts youth. We are constantly barraged with images of supple skin, tussled tresses, and buff bodies. Then older people look in the mirror and see something else. 

The reality: Older can be quite sexy. Just think back on what made you attractive in your younger years. Was it your soulful brown eyes, your crooked smile, or maybe your infectious laugh? Chances are, those attributes are still as appealing as ever. In fact, a survey conducted by the AARP and Modern Maturity magazine found that the percentage of people age 45 and older who consider their partners physically attractive increases with age.

And while we're at it: What's your definition of “old” anyway?

 

 2. Old people really don't care about having sex.

Wrong again, say our friends at the Little Shop of O's. Intimacy ― sexual intimacy ― matters. We all want human touch. Heck, even our pets want human touch. The thing about sex is that it is often only noticed in its absence. When things are good between the sheets, the relationship is good and chugs along. When things aren't so hot (pun intended), everyone notices it.

Yes, we care. We may have married our best friend, but we still care about having sex.

3. It's harder to climax when you are older, especially for women.

Not trying to win the whose-orgasm-is-better debate here, but will just say that as a woman gets older, she typically learns more about her body and knows what she likes and dislikes. Mature sex is about feeling good in your own body and being unafraid to get what you want.

In fact, many women find sex after 50 to be more emotionally and physically satisfying than at any other stage in their lives. If lubrication is a problem due to changing hormones, there's a remedy for that. Even Frankie knows that.

4. A man loses his ability to achieve an erection as he ages.

Who hasn't seen an erectile dysfunction commercial on television? If you didn't know better, you would assume that every man over age 45 can't maintain an erection. Just. Not. True.

While it is true that diminishing hormone levels can impact older men, exercise, proper nutrition, masturbation, and increased foreplay ― not to mention the aforementioned medication ― can help. 

5. Sex between old people is boring ― missionary-style only.

Trust us, a quick Google search for “sex toys for boomers” is enough to make your head spin. First, a thank you to LifeInTheBoomerLane.com for these tips about the Area 51 Love Doll, the Strict Leather Dildo Face Harness, and the Drilldo. We blushed, but maybe you won't. 

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