Gender and sexuality involve many aspects: affection, love, respect, warmth, sharing, and addiction (obligations). These gifts are the right of the youngest as well as of the older adults.

Two aspects of sexuality are touched upon in this blog: the changes that occur with age and suggestions of adaptability to these changes.

For most healthy adults, pleasure and interest in sex should not diminish with age. Age is not a plausible reason to give up the sexual practices that people enjoy throughout their lives. However, some minor adjustments may be necessary to accommodate any physical limitations or the consequences of different diseases or medications.

Physical changes commonly encountered in men

• the male sexual appetite begins to change after the age of 50 years. However, a man’s sexual behavior is most likely affected by his or her health status or attitude towards sex and intimacy that changes with age.
• it may take a longer period of time until the erection is installed and a longer interval between erections is required
• the erection will be less firm. However, a man who has good blood flow to the penis will be able to achieve a firm enough erection for subsequent sexual intercourse.
• older men may delay ejaculation for a long period of time.

Physical changes commonly encountered in women

Most of the physical changes occur after menopause and are the result of decreased estrogen levels. These changes can be influenced if the woman is using hormone replacement therapy

• the woman needs a longer period of time to get excited
• the skin of the woman can become more sensitive and irritable, causing the handling and the intimate contact to be less pleasant
• the walls of the vagina become thinner and dry and irritable during sexual intercourse
• the orgasm can be shortened and the contractions experienced during the orgasm can be uncomfortable.

Not all women face such problems. What you can do is to experiment and find ways for a pleasant active sex life despite physical changes.

Cultural and psychological factors

In addition to physical changes, there are psychological and cultural factors that affect sexuality at older ages. For example, in some cultures, sexuality is associated with a youthful aspect and vigor. Too many people think that if they are older they are less desirable and less sexually active. Older adults can accept these prejudices and adopt the idea that they are not allowed or are not allowed to be sexually active.

Sexual pleasure and love have no age limits. Almost everyone has the capacity to discover throughout their life the pleasure of sexual intercourse. The belief in the myth that older people no longer have an interest in sex is actually the loss of wonderful opportunities. Loneliness caused by one’s choice, divorce or widowhood can also be a problem. As you get older, there is the possibility that the number of people in the same age group from which you could choose a potential partner to reduce. Women or men alone may not know how to express their sexual impulses. Generally speaking, it is preferable to express sexual desires rather than suppress them until they almost no longer exist.

Physical and emotional needs change over time and depending on different circumstances. Intimacy and sexuality may or may not be important for each individual. The problem here is an option. If it is deliberately decided that sex is no longer appropriate, then that is the right decision. A life full of sex-free life is possible. However, if the option to continue an active sex life is chosen, support and encouragement may be required. You may still discover unexploited erogenous areas to be explored.

Maintaining sexual activity

Only exercise is the key to maintaining physical condition, periodic sexual acts constitute the best way to maintain sexual capacity.

It is never too late to start an exercise program and start new sexual relationships. Many older people who have been single for several years discover new satisfying sexual practices with new love relationships. For others, self-stimulation ( masturbation ) is common and does not involve health risks or adverse effects.

There are some additional considerations:

• to amplify the sexual response, it is recommended by sexologist in Delhi to insist more on the prelude and the direct contact with the genital organs
• to focus on erogenous areas. Fantasy and imagination help to challenge certain people. To try to induce the mood by using candles and slow music or anything else that could trigger a sexual mood
• Many drugs, especially antihypertensive drugs, tranquilizers and some drugs used for heart disease, inhibit sexual appetite. It is recommended to consult the doctor regarding these adverse effects. Your doctor may reduce your dose or prescribe other medicines. Do not recommend stopping the medication before consulting your GP
• If the sexual act becomes uncomfortable due to the vaginal mucus dryness, it is recommended to use vaginal lubricants to reduce irritation. The use of oil-based ointments is not recommended. The sexologist in Delhi may indicate the use of estrogen-containing vaginal creams, which will help improve vaginal tissue changes.
• Colostomy, mastectomies and other interventions that produce changes in the physical appearance should not be the end of the sexual life. Open communication about fears and expectations related to this aspect can bring partners closer and help them overcome these barriers. If necessary, counseling both partners can help to better adapt to the new situation
• people with heart disease can enjoy active, satisfying sex life. Most doctors recommend sexual abstinence for a short time after acute myocardial infarction. In the case of angina, consult your sexologist doctor in Delhi if nitroglycerin administration is indicated before intercourse.

Do not take concomitantly with nitroglycerin sildenafil citrate (Viagra)!

• if arthritis prevents the normal course of sexual intercourse, to experience different positions. Try to place pillows under the thighs. To use the outpatient antiallergic treatment of arthritis
• moderate alcohol consumption is recommended – small amounts of alcohol can intensify the sexual response by annihilating inhibitions. Consumption of increased amounts of alcohol can diminish sexual performance
• Prescription drugs that amplify sexual response like sildenafil citrate ( Viagra ) for men and testosterone for women are available. Some people find that herbal products like ginkgo biloba and ginseng enhance their sexual appetite. Both the prescribed and herbal remedies have no adverse effects.

Other aspects of sexuality

Sexuality derives from the actual physical act itself and is a part of every individual. It involves the needs of touch, affection, and intimacy.

Touching

Touching is a wonderful and necessary sensation. Newborns who are not touched do not grow well. Children who are untouched develop affective disorders. Touching is equally important for adults. Touching helps us in contact with others and can amplify sexuality

• massage – professional massage is great, but the simple rubbing of the shoulders and neck can also be very enjoyable. It is recommended to perform a massage by a friend to perform shoulder massage
• hugs are recommended – everyone needs hugs. Some people are lazy to use hugs, but it is normal to ask, “Would you like a hug?”
• it is recommended to buy a pet. Caring for a pet can help in discovering the needs of touch. Some studies have shown that people who care for pets live longer.

Affection

Giving and receiving affection is a wonderful feeling. If a person has feelings of affection for another, make sure he or she is communicated. If someone expresses their feelings of affection to appreciate. It is never too late to make new friends and to forge long-lasting relationships.

Intimacy

Intimacy is the quality of close physical and emotional contact with another person. Intimacy plays a great protective role against depression. Conversations with a confidant can ease your life problems. It may happen that a loved one who has died cannot be completely replaced, but the intimacy can be reconstructed by the following procedures:

• focusing attention on children, relatives or old or new friends
• to look for a person who is in a similar situation. One of the most important benefits of support and counseling groups is that members often become intimate with one another.
• display an attitude of availability – because people need each other.