Do Elderly People Still Have Sexual Desire? How to Adjust Their Sexual Life and Function

Entering the old age, the sexual function of the elderly has significantly deteriorated, but a considerable number of elderly people still have strong sexual desire and interest. Sexual activity is still very active, and statistical data shows that within the age range of 66 to 71, 90% of males and 50% of females are interested in sex. Even in the age range of 86 to 90, 51% of males are interested in sex. Research on the psychology of the elderly has shown that the rate of psychological aging in old age is much lower than that of physiological aging, as many elderly people face changes in sexual function. I often feel that my strength is not enough, my heart is spare but my strength is insufficient. I marvel at the infinite beauty of the sunset, but it is only near dusk. Resulting in physical and mental conflicts, facing sexual problems encountered in old age, if it is necessary to further improve the quality of sexual life; To maintain harmonious sexual relationships, elderly people must adjust their sexual psychology and behavior.

Firstly, we need to adjust our mindset, face reality, change our thinking methods, update our sexual attitudes, learn to transition from middle age to old age, and overcome unrealistic demands and expectations; To understand the normal physiological changes caused by the decline of sexual function of sexual organs with age, and to be familiar with the characteristics and changes of human function, sexual expression, and sexual response ability in the elderly; When elderly men engage in sexual activity, the initiation of penile erection takes a long time and lacks response to various psychological stimuli (such as visual, auditory, and mental). They rely more on direct mechanical stimulation of the penis. After erection, the hardness is often not ideal, and it is difficult to maintain it for a long time without effective stimulation. After weakness, it is difficult to repeat the erection, and the refractory period can be several hours or even tens of hours; However, once an erection occurs, under effective stimulation; It can effectively control and maintain non ejaculation for a long time, but in young and middle-aged people, it is difficult to control and delay ejaculation once the penis is erect, as there is no sexual skill training or sexual experience accumulation. The amount and degree of ejaculation in elderly people have decreased, the number of penile contractions during orgasm decreases, and the intensity of orgasm decreases, leading to a decrease in sexual pleasure.

The changes in sexual response in elderly women are manifested in delayed arousal, weakened or disappeared vaginal lubrication, atrophy, shortening, and narrowing of the vagina, weakened elasticity and dilation ability of the vaginal wall, often leading to difficulty or discomfort during sexual intercourse, thereby affecting women's sexual sensitivity and reducing their interest in participating in sexual activities. However, aging often has no effect on women's ability to pursue sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The sexual desire of women between couples is often greater than that of men. There is often a situation of yin flourishing and yang declining in sexual function.

In order to adapt to the changes in old age, in addition to sexual psychology, corresponding adjustments should also be made in sexual behavior. For couples who are usually physically strong and have a regular sexual life, they often do not feel the existence of sexual problems. For elderly, frail, and sickly individuals, it is difficult to continue their sexual habits, behaviors, and expressions during their youth. There are various ways for elderly people to obtain sexual pleasure and pleasure, and their sexual desire is mainly manifested as a desire for contact. Sexual activity should be primarily focused on caressing and playing games. It is not like young people who force direct and intrusive sexual intercourse to obtain sexual pleasure and meet sexual needs. Sexual activity should not be seen as a pure way to satisfy sexual desires, but rather as a good carrier for obtaining marital satisfaction, strengthening emotional communication between the two sexes, and enhancing intimacy and attachment between both parties.

Elderly couples should pay attention to reasonable arrangements for sexual activity, and the frequency of sexual activity should be appropriate. The amount of sexual activity should depend on their physical and mental condition. We should pay attention to the ways and methods of sexual behavior, the position and posture of sexual intercourse, and the sexual life of the elderly should prioritize quality over weight, and prioritize emotions over desires. Individuals with limited physical activity due to illness. Some positive and beneficial preventive measures and methods to improve sexual life should be taken. Learn to use sexual techniques, change sexual behavior patterns, and use sexual tools. For example, during sexual activity, caressing is the main method, and more techniques are used to strengthen sexual stimulation and enhance sexual sensitivity. During sexual intercourse, positions should be exchanged to avoid sexual fatigue. The duration of sexual contact should not be too long, but should be moderate; Avoid sexual intercourse after drinking or eating; Special diseases such as coronary heart disease patients should prepare medication such as nitroglycerin before sexual activity, just in case. Elderly people should change their traditional habit of having sex before bedtime, preferably in the morning or during the day when they have sufficient energy.

Inability to engage in inserted sexual intercourse due to living alone, widowed, or partner illness; Masturbation and mutual masturbation can be used to compensate for non genital sexual intercourse activities such as massage, kissing, and breast stimulation. It can also be replaced by auxiliary devices such as oral stimulation or artificial vaginal (male) oscillators (female) to relieve sexual tension in the elderly and facilitate the maintenance of sexual function.

In recent years, there has been some progress in research on elderly issues both domestically and internationally. The theory that regular sexual activity in the elderly is beneficial for their physical and mental health and can prolong their lifespan is increasingly accepted. However, due to individual differences in sexual abilities among the elderly, such as exaggerating the impact of sexual activity on their physical and mental health, having sex too frequently and losing control can also have negative effects. In short, the excessive or inadequate sexual activity of elderly people is not beneficial to their physical and mental health. Everything should be based on feeling good about oneself.