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 issues surrounding sex in older people are still not openly discussed. Older people have been stereotyped as asexual and devoid of feelings or emotion, but this of course is wrong. The way people express themselves sexually varies widely. Today men and women are living longer, healthier lives. As a result of this improvement in health, many older couples continue to enjoy intimacy and sex. A global study showed that sexual desire and sexual activity are common in middle-aged and elderly people of both sexes and these continue into old age.

Browse our member benefits. Most Americans define sex as intercourse. The old in-and-out can be great fun, sure, but it also tends to frustrate many older couples. Even when aided by erection medication, older men may have difficulty accomplishing it.

Maintaining your sexual health is an important part of aging. By keeping yourself healthy, confronting problems calmly and talking openly with your partner, you can improve your chances of having a long healthy sex life. Good sex always relies on open communication with your partner. As both of you age, things will change.