Many elderly people do enjoy an active sex life, although they often encounter obstacles to do so. Research in the area is minimal and saddled with the difficulties of embarrassment, self-reporting biases, poor response rates and limited good quality. However, what research is available consistently suggests that increasing age is associated with a decreased interest in sex, although sexual interest does remain strong overall. In a Swedish study, 98 percent of 50- to 59-year-olds gave at least “some importance” to sex, compared to 72 percent of 70- to 80-year-olds. In an Italian study, all 38 of those surveyed over 100 had completely lost interest in sex. In a U.S. study, 59 percent of 75- to 80-year-olds still attributed importance to sex.
There are gender differences with 41 percent of males aged 71-85 having an interest in sex, with only 11 percent of females in that age group expressing the same. Research suggests that interest in sex among older men has increased over the last 10 years, possibly due to the availability of effective drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, Cialis and others.
When looking at the different factors of sexual function (desire, erection, orgasm and ejaculatory functioning), all appear to decrease with increasing age. However, in at least one study, 46 percent of men aged 70 to 80 reported at least monthly orgasms.
In trying to determine what causes the decrease in sexual interest and function, multiple causes are identified. Age, per se, may not be the problem, but the increasing number of health problems with aging does contribute. Poor physical health can limit the practicality of having sex. Arthritis, heart disease, shortness of breath, excess weight, the complications of long-term diabetes and the side effects from various medications used to treat these maladies can all play a role.
Physicians are less likely to be concerned about sexual functioning in the elderly and will prescribe drugs to treat their problems which have the adverse effect of inhibiting full sexual enjoyment.
Male sexual dysfunction is a verifiable condition that also needs to be addressed. Decreasing levels of testosterone are to be expected. When levels drop below normal, testosterone may need to be replaced. However, ED most commonly occurs in those with a normal testosterone level. ED may also be caused by medications (and certainly more medications are needed as we age), prostatic surgery or disease, diabetes and vascular disease. In one study, the physiological ability to have an erection sufficient for intercourse most of the time decreased from 97 percent in those aged 50 to 59, to 76 percent in those 60 to 69. It fell still further to 51 percent in those aged 70 to 80. In many of the cases, the decrease in functioning could not be explained by medications or illness, suggesting that age itself may be an independent factor.
Universally, studies have shown that seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction is commonly inhibited by embarrassment. Not only are patients reluctant to bring it up, but physicians frequently don’t ask the status of sexual functioning. Most of those in the over-60s age group are still living with concepts of the past that somehow suppressed ideas that this age group can, should and want to be sexual active. The stereotype of an asexual old age is quite pervasive and ingrained. However, concerns need to be addressed not only between the partners, but also with physicians. Unfortunately, many physicians also feel uncomfortable with the topic because most have not been adequately trained to deal with the issues. Certainly, they are aware of ED, but the concerns and problems are rarely dealt with.
A compounding factor in all of this is that, although sex continues to be an interest and desire, it must be accepted that the aging process affects our sexuality and our sexual expression. Drug companies are heavily involved in developing new products to address our anxiety about sexual issues and do not hesitate to advertise these products in the media.
It all comes down to the individual. If each person in a relationship is comfortable with the current sex life, then nothing needs to be changed. However, if either person senses some lack of sexual fulfillment, there are many issues that should be investigated before writing it off as “old age.” Communication is the key, as improvement in sexual functioning is possible.
A medication may need to be changed to one that has fewer adverse consequences to improve the sexual functioning. It may mean that other medications need to be taken to enhance sexual fulfillment. It is unlikely that an “elderly” man will ever function like a 21-year-old. However, sexuality remains a part of our lives and, unless we are “over 100,” there still is interest. It may take some active research to discern what is really going on and to find a solution, should one desire to change “old age.”
Source: http://www.ourmidland.com/