Yes, sex may change once you age. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be satisfying! Maintaining an active sex life is important even (or especially) as you age for many reasons, including boosting physical health, mental health, and self-esteem.

What changes as men get older?

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, which means that changes in sexual function are quite common. Some of these changes are:

• A need for more stimulation to achieve and maintain erection and orgasm
• Shorter orgasms
• Less forceful ejaculation and less semen ejaculated
• Longer time is needed to achieve another erection post-ejaculation

If you notice that you’re going through some of these changes and are experiencing anxiety over them, remember that they do not signal the end of your enjoyment of sex. It just means that you may have to adapt to these natural changes to maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life. For instance, try adjusting your sexual routine to account for more stimulation to become aroused.

Senior sex and health problems

The aging process can take a toll on our bodies, and the development of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and arthritis may make performing acts of physical intimacy more challenging. 

Other things like surgeries and many prescription medications can also affect sexual functions. However, don’t throw in the towel just yet! If you keep an open mind then you and your partner can take this opportunity to explore different ways you can adapt to certain limitations.

If there are health concerns (like worry about having sex after a heart attack), then be sure to consult your medical practitioner. If your arthritis is flaring up, try different sexual positions and apply heat on achy joints before and after. The key is staying positive and getting creative to find ways of being intimate that work for both you and your partner.

Senior sex and emotions

Emotional issues can affect the sexual experience at any age. Sometimes older men feel emotionally liberated due to fewer distractions, more time, and no need to worry about pregnancy, and therefore find even greater satisfaction with their sex life. 

Others might feel stressed about health problems, financial concerns, or maybe struggling to adjust to other lifestyle changes. If you feel like your emotions are overwhelming you, then be sure to talk to a doctor or counselor.

Senior sex tips

Contrary to popular belief, sex can continue to be rewarding and satisfying as we age. Here are some sex tips to take to the bedroom:

• Talk with your partner. Open communication about your needs, desires, and concerns can keep sex enjoyable and intimate.
• Visit your doctor. Your doctor may be able to give you tips on how to manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. 
• See a sex therapist. If you and your partner have specific concerns, then a sex therapist might be best equipped to guide you through them.
• Expand your definition of sex. Sexual intimacy doesn’t just have to be intercourse. There’s more than one way to have a fulfilling sex life, so be open to other avenues of intimacy than what’s conventional.
• Adapt your routine. Shake things up by switching your tried and true routines. For instance, if you usually engage in before-bedtime-sex, try out having a morning session or some afternoon delight. Or, if you and your partner tend to stick to a couple of positions, challenge each other to try out something new.
• Don’t give up on romance. If you’ve lost your partner in one way or another, then it might be difficult to imagine starting a new one. However, no matter how much we’ve aged, we remain social creatures and never outgrow the need for emotional closeness and intimacy. So, if you can, try to get out there and socialize; it may be well worth the effort!
• Stay as healthy as you can. Taking care of your body by eating a healthy diet and practicing regular exercise is one of the best ways to ensure you can enjoy a fulfilling sex life.