Frequency and ability to perform sexually generally declines modestly as seniors experience the normal physiological changes that accompany aging. Reports from the Kinsey Institute indicate that the majority of men and women between the ages of 50 and 80 are still enthusiastic about sex and intimacy. Dr. Walter Bortz, a professor at Stanford Medical School and past president of the American Geriatrics Society, says “Use it or lose it. If you stay interested, stay healthy, stay off medications, and have a good mate, then you can have good sex all the way to the end of life". In fact, a Duke University study indicated that 20% of people over 65 have sex lives that are better than ever before.

Besides slowing down with age, seniors recognize and tend to accept that some things have to be done differently. Sex is no different: the focus is more on intimacy and closeness instead of intercourse and performance. Personal relationships can take on greater importance as kids and jobs depart. Seniors can devote more time and energy to improving their love lives. And so, sex becomes a physical pleasure many older people can enjoy.

And it is popular: AARP reports that 56% of 45-59-year-olds with sexual partners have sex once a week or more. Among 60-70-year-olds with partners, it’s 46% for men and 38% for women, and for those 70 or older, it’s still an encouraging 34%. Of course, seniors should see their doctor if they've lost interest in sex or are having sexual difficulties.

The reasons to maintain an active sex life are quite compelling: Dr. Bortz says "People that have sex live longer. Married people live longer.” But the stumbling block to this longer and happier life may be none other than your children. Their judgmental attitudes can prevent many older people from moving in with each other, having their partner stay over, or even seeking a partner. This affects single older women more than men: AARP report only 32% of women age 70 or older have partners, compared to 59% of men 70 or older. The main impediment for men tends to be ‘biology or hydraulics’, whereas for women it’s more likely to be opportunity and availability.

Society is slowly becoming more accepting of the whole concept of sexually active seniors. Some progressive seniors’ facilities even have a room set aside that a resident & their non-resident spouse can reserve.

Given that the Baby Boomers start to turn 65 next year, and that the senior population is expected to increase by a whopping 86.3% between 2007 and 2033 (according to StatsCan), we’d better get used to the idea – whether we like it or not – that our seniors will be more sexually active and a lot more vocal about their needs. I think anything that extends one’s life and puts a smile on two faces should be applauded and encouraged!

Alex Handyside CSA
ScotiaCare Homecare & Caregivers
T: 827-5599
homecare@scotiacare.com www.ScotiaCare.com
Winner of the 2006 Maritime Business Ethics Award. Winner of the 2007 CSA Award of Excellence for services to seniors. Founding member of Serving Seniors Alliance and NS HomeCare Association.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau of the Maritime Provinces.