Many people want and need to be close to others as they grow older. For some, this includes the desire to continue an active, satisfying sex life. With aging, that may mean adapting sexual activity to accommodate physical, health, and other changes. There are many different ways to have sex and be intimate—alone or with a partner. The expression of your sexuality could include many types of touch or stimulation. Some adults may choose not to engage in sexual activity, and that's also normal.
However, one in seven women aged 65 to 79 years has hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction
What Are Normal Changes?
In the questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study, more than 1, Australian women were assessed for sexual function and sexual distress as defined by the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. The group consisted of This percentage was higher than what had previously been reported for women in this age group and similar to the prevalence reported for younger women. Although HSDD was found to be more common in women with partners, the study confirmed that unpartnered older women are still sexually active and may be distressed by low sexual desire. Independent factors included vaginal dryness during intercourse in the past month, having moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and having symptomatic pelvic floor dysfunction. Founded in , The North American Menopause Society NAMS is North America's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging.
Breadcrumb
Do women want steamy sex or just a companionable cuddle? Bettina Arndt reveals what really gets women going. What do most women of a certain age want? Melbourne-based psychiatry professor Lorraine Dennerstein conducted path-breaking research on menopause which found many women reported a drop in libido at this stage of life. But not all women. Those who found themselves with a new man reported their sex drives were flourishing! Of course there are older women who simply never lose their sex drives, or who miraculously regain interest once young sprogs are off their hands. Then there are women who find themselves with partners who lose interest, perhaps due to problems with erections, and suddenly realise they really miss physical intimacy.
Multiple studies show that older women are still sexually active beyond their seventh decade of life. In the questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study, more than 1, Australian women were assessed for sexual function and sexual distress as defined by the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. The group consisted of This percentage was higher than what had previously been reported for women in this age group and similar to the prevalence reported for younger women. Although HSDD was found to be more common in women with partners, the study confirmed that unpartnered older women are still sexually active and may be distressed by low sexual desire. Independent factors included vaginal dryness during intercourse in the past month, having moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and having symptomatic pelvic floor dysfunction. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News.
