Sex and the sixty
“So growing old,” says sexologist Mahinder Watsa, “does not mean the end of sexual activity. You can have as much fun as you used to in your younger days. Only your will needs to adjust to bodily changes.”
Sex is essential to human beings and good form of recreation in old age. But circumstances, especially familial, can make you feel old and curb your sexual desire. “Many seniors feel ashamed to be sexually active in the Indian scenario,” says Watsa.
“They feel that their married children may see them as perverts, if they found out. So wives become religious and husbands, lazy. It’s up to you to use it or lose it.”
Bodily changes
During menopause, the cells responsible for lubrication inside the vagina erode. As a result, it takes longer for a woman to be aroused. “The hormonal changes may make her irritable and she may abstain from sex because she doesn’t feel like it,” says Watsa. “Intercourse without proper lubrication can be very painful.
The size of the cervix, uterus and ovaries also decreases. The anticipation before an orgasm also decreases, and they may be less intense.”
For men, erection problems after the age of 50 are common. The erection may not be as strong, the force of ejaculation also decreases and the recovery between ejaculations may take 12 to 24 hours.
“Men get disheartened when they are unable to sustain an erection like before, and may abstain from sex rather than risk ‘disappointing’ their wives,” says Watsa. “So they take to masturbation. If and when he gets an erection, the man will run to his wife to make use of the timing. At that time, she may not be aroused and intercourse can hurt her.”
Have better sex
Intercourse is not the goal
Inserting the penis inside the vagina need not be the primary aim for the elderly. “The sexual centre in the brain focuses heavily around the genitals till your 40s,” says Watsa. As reproduction needs are met by this age, physiological changes take place. But you can still reach an orgasm by other means, such as togetherness.
Touching and feeling each other can develop intimacy, which will help kindle lost sexual desire. Despite advanced age, clitoral sensitivity remains the same. Massaging each other’s private parts, indulging in oral sex and having a bath together can be sexually satisfying.
Use stimulation
“This is the only time in your life when erotica will be legitimately helpful,” says Dr Watsa. It can act as a stimulant and get you excited quicker than expected. So play out your fantasies and don’t be ashamed of your age.
Artificial stimulators
Sexual stimulators, such as suction pumps, cost around Rs 15-20,000 and are available with a doctor’s prescription. The pump is worn around the penis as it creates suction and helps those with erection problems.
In another procedure, elastic rods are surgically implanted into the penis. This is beneficial for those who do get an erection at all or take hours to achieve it. The rod gives the man a permanent erection and allows him to use it when required; and tuck it down, when he doesn’t.
Tablets such as Viagra are widely available, but they must be consumed only with a doctor’s prescription as they can have side-effects. Research is underway for similar tablets for women.
Vibrators, which are not legally available in India, can be very useful to cause arousal. “You can buy a massage kit from the market, which comes equipped with a vibrator like device,” says Watsa.
Eat healthy
If you have had an unhealthy lifestyle in your youth, there are high chances that your sex life in old age will be affected. “You can’t start eating a balanced diet suddenly and expect results the next day,” says Watsa.
“You have to begin eating healthy, exercising regularly at a young age and continue to do so till the end. If you have maintained your health and enjoyed a healthy sex life in your younger years, you are likely to do so afterwards as well. Consuming alcohol or cigarettes on social occasions does not cause harm.”
Adapt sexual positions
Sex can be a painful and irritable experience for those suffering from arthritis, back problems, heart conditions, diabetes or any other disease. Changing positions can make intercourse an enjoyable experience.
For instance, the woman-on-top position is suitable for those suffering from a cardiac condition. Consult a sexologist to get advice on the position suitable to your specific health condition.
News Gathered by India News
Become a Hosting Provider
Get Domain Reseller Account Free .in domain Rs 115 Reseller Hosting in just Rs 999
Posted by Taani
on Saturday, July 9th, 2011. Filed under Cities, India News, Life Style, Mumbai, Relations.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.