Sex is pivotal in the well being of any human being and old age is no exception. However, sex in old age is beyond intercourse. It is loving, caring, touching, kissing and being together. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis can accelerate sexual dysfunction during old age. Seventy per cent of men and 50 per cent of women with diabetes will have sexual dysfunction due to neuronal damage. Stringent control and many a time, early use of insulin and if affordable, insulin pump therapy is beneficial in retaining sexual function. Men can use medications such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil etc. but only under medical advice.
As women age, vagina shortens and narrows in addition to less vaginal lubrication. But these changes should never affect the desire or sexual pleasure. Discuss concerns openly. Explore new positions and places. Women usually will require a vaginal lubricant. This should be considered a normal practice in the absence of which vaginal intercourse in old age can lead to unpleasantness and extreme pain.
Making love in the morning after a good night’s sleep, when testosterone levels are high, results in a firmer erection and better satisfaction for both. Taking longer time for arousal is quite normal and one can go for an extended foreplay and slower and longer intercourse. If sexually active in old age, sex rejuvenates both mind and body. Always seek the help of an expert physician in case of need as sex in old age will have a huge impact on overall well-being.
The author is a geriatric expert and chairman and managing director of Jothydev's Diabetes Research Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
