Introduction: Why Sexual Health Matters at Every Age Sexual health is about more than just physical intimacy—it’s about connection, emotional well-being, and self-confidence. According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), sexual health is defined as “the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives.” Yet, after the age of 50, changes in our bodies and lifestyles can pose challenges to maintaining a satisfying sex life.
But here’s the good news: age doesn’t mean the end of intimacy. As Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director at NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging, puts it, “One thing most people over 50 agree on is the lifetime need for intimacy and fun in the bedroom. But we clearly don’t want to talk about it—especially when things may not be going well.” With awareness, communication, and the right approach, it’s entirely possible to maintain a fulfilling sex life well into your golden years.
For Men:
- Testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to reduced libido, lower energy, and sometimes erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Prostate changes, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer treatments, can affect sexual function.
- Medications for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, can also have side effects that interfere with sexual performance.
- As Juli Slattery, an expert on men’s sexual health, explains, “Although a diminishing sex life may be disappointing for you as a wife, it’s potentially devastating for your husband. His sexuality represents his youth, vitality, and masculinity.”
For Women:
- Menopause leads to a significant drop in estrogen levels, often resulting in decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex.
- Changes in the vaginal tissue, including reduced elasticity and lubrication, can make intimacy less pleasurable.
- Emotional factors, including body image concerns and relationship dynamics, can influence sexual desire.
- Dr. Rachel Rubin, a sexual medicine specialist, notes, “When I think of sexual health, I think of four things: libido, arousal, orgasm, and pain. All of them can be significantly affected by the fluctuation and then massive decrease in sex hormones.”
While these changes are common, they’re not insurmountable. Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step toward finding solutions.
However, societal taboos and personal insecurities can make it difficult to talk openly about these changes. According to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, while 76% of respondents agreed that sex is a vital part of a romantic relationship at any age, only 17% had brought up the subject of sexual health with their healthcare providers in the past two years.
As Kathleen Cameron emphasizes, “Unfortunately, the more we avoid discussing a topic like sex, the more we contribute to misconceptions and stereotypes. It can also be harmful to our health.” Open communication is key to overcoming these emotional barriers.
Improving Sexual Health After 50: Practical Strategies
1. Open Communication with Your Doctor Don’t be afraid to bring up sexual health concerns with your healthcare provider. Whether you’re facing ED, low libido, or discomfort during intimacy, treatments are available. Some questions to ask include:
- Are there medications that could help with my symptoms?
- What are the side effects of my current medications on my sexual health?
- Should I be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
As Cameron advises, “It’s important to advocate for yourself in order to get the care and guidance you need. Start by asking some straightforward questions and build from there.”
2. Talk Honestly with Your Partner Intimacy thrives on open communication. Share your feelings, concerns, and desires with your partner. Be patient with each other and remember that intimacy can take new forms as you age.
As menopause specialist Dr. Shahzadi Harper notes, “It’s worth explaining that there are changes going on, things may take a little bit longer, you still love your partner and want to have sex with them, but it is not going to be a question of wham bam, and it’s over.”
3. Prioritize Physical Health Good overall health supports a better sex life. Key lifestyle habits include:
- Regular exercise to improve stamina and blood flow
- A balanced diet rich in nutrients
- Managing stress through meditation or yoga
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking
4. Explore Treatment Options From hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women to medications like Viagra for men, medical interventions can help address specific sexual health issues. Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can also alleviate discomfort during sex.
5. Redefine Intimacy Intimacy doesn’t always have to mean intercourse. Holding hands, cuddling, massage, and other forms of physical affection can build emotional closeness and sexual satisfaction.
As Suzanne Noble, host of Sex Advice for Seniors, says, “There’s no shortage of things to talk about. A lot of it is about overcoming some of the challenges that we face as older people.”
By normalizing conversations about sexual health, both in personal relationships and in healthcare settings, we can break down these taboos and empower older adults to prioritize their sexual well-being.
With openness, communication, and a willingness to adapt, sex can remain a joyful and vital part of life well into your later years. Talk to your doctor, communicate with your partner, and embrace this stage of life with curiosity and confidence. After all, sexual health is just another part of living well—and you deserve every bit of it.