4 Sex myth busters for folks over 50

There are plenty of false beliefs going around about sexuality and aging. Many of them just sound so doom and gloom. Many tend to think that those north of 50 are no longer interested in sex or just don’t enjoy it as much as they once did. There are many studies that state the contrary and have shown that seniors can still get their freak on, knock boots, and do the nasty, late into their seventies and even eighties! Sexperts say that sex at an older age is not only an important indicator of health but also increases happiness and can even lengthen one’s life. Check out these sex myth busters:

• Older folks do not engage in sex as often.

Not true! Studies have shown that people continue to engage in sex even when ‘snow is on the roof!’ A recent survey revealed that around 54% of men and 31% of women remain sexually active in their seventies.  As you age, for men, erectile dysfunction may cause them to lose confidence and become disinterested in sex. Women have to deal with vaginal dryness. Another reason heterosexual women may not want to date or have sex is simply a lack of available male partners. Having chronic health conditions don’t help matters any as far as desire for sex. These kinds of situations affect people differently, however, so sex for many is still an important part of their lives despite age, health status, and circumstances.

• Sex is not as pleasurable when you’re older.

Wrong! After age 50, people are said to be on the brink of a more fulfilling sex life. As couples age, they develop more of an emotional and oftentimes spiritual connection to one another. At this stage of the game, couples know what their partner likes and dislikes in the bedroom. Inhibitions are out the window. Folks are finally ready to let go of long-held body image issues, trauma and wounds from past heartaches or failed relationships, and even abuse. Couples finally have the time and the means to discover themselves as sexual beings, and this exploration can become a priority in life because the kids are grown and in most cases, out of the house, and careers are winding down. Couples cannot tolerate missing out on all that is possible sexually and often set out on journeys of sensual discovery.

• Folks over age 50 do not engage in oral sex.

Incorrect! According to a study that was done at the University of Chicago, more than half of the respondents aged 57 to 75 said they gave or received oral sex, as did about a third of 75- to 85-year-olds. Medical experts say that erections may become undependable as men age, so if they merely limit their sexual expression to penetration, there will be less sex. So it makes sense for mature folks to especially concentrate on what brings on the most powerful sensations. Judging sexual success by whether or not the penis is hard enough, or whether the vagina is receptive or responsive enough, just adds stress. Taking the focus off intercourse goals and focusing on oral pleasures instead makes for sensual possibilities!

• The AARP set does not masturbate.

Nonsense! By the time someone turns 50, their bodies are definitely no longer mysteries! Many couples find it very intimate to enjoy self-pleasuring together – one person pleasures themselves, the other partner does the same, and they either watch each other simultaneously or take turns. Masturbating together can be a joyful experience, and couples can also use it to teach each other how they like to be pleasured. As a matter of fact, by the time men reach their fifties, masturbation may offer some protection against prostate cancer because the act helps remove toxins that have built up over a lifetime. A study conducted by researchers at Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion revealed that 46 percent of men and 33 percent of women over 70 reported that they masturbate. Masturbation does not have to be a sexual outlet for one, it can be also be enjoyed by pairs.