Saturday, January 10, 2009

Sex After 50!

Growing old, by no way means the end of ones' sex life. Yet, the fact remains that the aging process causes certain irrevocable emotional andphysical changes which can sometimes affect the ability to enjoy sex.

In most cases, women enjoy sex more as they grow old because post menopause or a hysterectomy, they no longer suffer from the fear of an unwanted pregnancy. "Our sex life has become better as our relationship has grown. Being with each other and knowing one another over the years have added to our chemistry," smiles 57-year-old social worker Mona.

She further adds, "Aging is a natural process, but that should not stop us from enjoying our sex lives. The love, trust and care we have developed over the years looking past our respective imperfections is what makes our sexual relationship all the more special".

A study conducted by the University of California suggests that in the West, two-thirds of men and women above the age of 50 enjoy satisfying sexual relationships and 80 per cent of them were satisfied with their ability to enjoy sex. About half of the men and one-third of the women revealed that sex was an extremely important aspect of their lives. These studies bust the preconceived notion that a couple's sex drive goes down with age.

Psychologist Dr. Samir Parikh insists, "Feeling sexy has nothing to do with one's grey hair or wrinkles. It's all within oneself. Some women tend to think that grey hair or wrinkles make them less attractive to their sexual partner. However, if a woman believes being young or being able to give birth makes her more feminine, she may begin to worry about her desirable quotient. That might make sex less enjoyable for her".

"There are a lot of people who feel that age is tightly correlated with sexual activity or interest," says Professor Edward Laumann, University of Chicago. It's important for couples to bear in mind that sex involves more than mere penetration. All kinds of touch are stimulating and pleasurable.

"Being sexually active doesn't always have to mean that you are both in the mood for physical intimacy. Sometimes, it could just mean taking some time from your mundane schedule to give your partner pleasure because that is what you want to do for them. Masturbation (self or mutual) is also a way to keep sexually active," suggests 55-year-old, retired army officer Karandeep Singh.

Experts recommend taking the time to explore each other's bodies and find out what turns your better half on. Touch is a great alternative to intercourse. It can simply mean holding each other, cuddling with each other while watching a movie or a play or even indulging in a sensual massage to stimulate each other.

This article is taken from Times Of India

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