Advice, Dating Online Personals

Sex and the Single Senior

Remember a few years ago when there was a T-shirt available with a printed slogan that proclaimed “I am not a dirty old man, I’m a sexy senior citizen!” Today the slogan is even more relevant to seniors than in the past. With the advent of erectile dysfunction drugs, plastic surgery interventions to retain a youthful appearance and online dating opportunities for seniors an active sex life is something that more seniors are enjoying.

Recent news articles have touted the “sexual revolution” taking place at senior housing complexes where sex toy parties are now as commonplace as Tupperware gatherings. The results of a May 2005 landmark study on “Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond” conducted by AARP reveals that a healthy, satisfying sex life is considered a critical aspect of a good relationship by 60% of seniors who responded to the survey, up from 55% in 1999.

Although there are a number of benefits to sex after 60, there are a number of concerns as well. Incidents of Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise in senior communities. Genital herpes and human papilloma virus (the virus now known to cause cervical cancer) are now commonly diagnosed in sexually active seniors. Even more frightening, older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups being infected with HIV/AIDS. Often the symptoms of these diseases go undetected and untreated in seniors either because the senior does not recognize and report the symptoms they are experiencing or because their doctor just doesn’t consider the possibility that the senior might be sexually active.

If you are a sexually active senior it is vital to your health and wellbeing that you attend to your sexual health by taking the following actions:

• ALWAYS use a condom during oral sex, anal sex and intercourse. Condoms provide a barrier against many sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Be sure the condom is properly fitted and is made of the latex or polyurethane.
• Be sure that any lubricants used during sexual activity are safe to use with condoms and are water-based rather than oil based. Oil based lubricants break down latex condoms. Vaseline and cold cream are NOT safe lubricants to use with condoms.
• Schedule a visit with your doctor. Inform the physician that you are sexually active and ask that you be examined and tested for sexually transmitted diseases if you have been practicing unsafe sex.
• Examine your own genitalia on a monthly basis to notice any rashes, discharge, and breaks in the skin, rough spots or sore spots. Report any changes that you find to your doctor.
• If you notice any health changes such as symptoms of dementia, pneumonia or sudden weight loss notify your doctor and be sure to remind him/her that you are sexually active. Since symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS are similar to those related to aging the physician may not diagnose you properly without knowing your sexual history.

By all means, know that it is perfectly okay to enjoy sexual activity well into your senior years as long as you take the proper precautions. Enjoying intimacy with another helps to keep you limber, makes you feel vital, vibrant and attractive, and reduces stress. Now go forth and flirt a little!

Wellness: Sexuality
Protected by CoopyRites for: Sexuality
Authored by CoopyRiter in: Sexuality