By Sharon Gordon
Johannesburg - I recently met a woman, in her 80s who told me that she is finally having the best sex of her life. It reminded me of an elderly couple who used to come into the Lola Montez store every year to be shown what was new and hip. They were not married but had been having an affair for about 30 years. They were clearly still having fantastic sex.
For some reason we think that it’s a bit gross for us oldies to be having it off and enjoying it. I read an article a while ago that said that the age group with the most STD infections are those over 70! We think we can no longer get pregnant but forget about lurgies!
Since the advent of sexual enhancers for men like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, there is no reason that couples can’t continue to enjoy a satisfying sexual relationship as long as they live.
The incidence of erectile dysfunction does increase with age. Often sited figures are 40% of men in their 40’s, 50% in the fifties, 60% in the sixties, and 70% in the seventies! I assume it continues to climb.
Erectile dysfunction regardless of age is often tied up with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.
If erections become a problem, get a medical checkup to exclude any underlying condition. Get treatment for the underlying condition and get advice from your doctor about the use of tablets which allow a normal erection with normal sexual stimulation if necessary.
In women, it has been shown that menopause does not affect the capacity for sexual enjoyment, but that vaginal dryness is often the stumbling block. This is due to the natural decrease in hormones with age.
Thankfully, this is easily remedied with a wonderful lubricant that contain no hormones and is a safe, daily vaginal gel that restores the natural lubrication and allows women to continue enjoying lovemaking. Have a look at Pjur Repair Gel, available in the Lola Montez store. I always think that a lubricant is liquid gold and couldn’t live without it.
Couples need remain in touch with each other. Spend time caressing, cuddling and massaging all as part of lovemaking. The entire body is an erogenous zone. There are some wonderful intimate products available to add a dimension to your play. Try good old fashioned coconut oil, massage candles or massage oils. Even applying body cream after a shower can be hugely intimate.
It's time to take back our right to enjoy our bodies, our relationships and sex. We remain sensual and one of the things I have noticed with us older folk is how little we get touched. Covid made it worse with no hugging or even shaking hands.
The Sex Expo is around the corner. It is being held in Menlyn Pretoria on 13 to 16 October, with 50% off the ticket price on the Thursday. I would love to see the young at heart rediscovering this important part of being human.
Sex can be likened to a gourmet meal that should be savored and enjoyed without rushing to the dessert! As we get older, we may have the time for more gourmet meals. Enjoy!