Sex After 60: Tips on How Seniors Can Enjoy Healthy and Safe Intimacy

Philadelphia, PA, January 13, 2005– Does sexuality have an expiration date? Of course not and in fact, many seniors are staying sexually active well into their 70s and beyond. Yet due to performance and health concerns, as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), intimacy can be complex and confusing for today’s elderly. Fortunately, there are ways that seniors can overcome these issues to enjoy a healthy and safe sex life.

“Many older men and women with heart conditions think they cannot participate in sexual activity. This may not be true. Discuss this with your primary care physician to see if you are healthy enough. You may be surprised,” says Todd Goldberg, MD, a geriatrician at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

He adds that another issue for men is impotence. This is a common problem that based on your physical health can be solved. Again, Dr. Goldberg suggests talking to your doctor about treatment options such as Viagra, which is prescribed for men suffering from impotence.  

“For older women, on the other hand, intimacy may be more enjoyable now than ever. This may be due to a number of factors including that the fear of unwanted pregnancy is no longer present,” says Dr. Goldberg.

Aside from physical obstacles, the National Prevention Information Network (NPIN), a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately 75,000 or about 10 percent of all people diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the country are 50 years of age and older. Furthermore, reports the NPIN, since older adults are not habitually tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS, the actual number may be higher.

Why is this happening? The NPIN suggests that the elderly may simply not be aware of the risks because they are not considered necessary targets for sex education. In addition, when symptoms are displayed, seniors are often not tested for HIV/AIDS because symptoms are often confused with common ailments of aging.

“STDs do not discriminate against age and our elderly population needs to understand this. All people with multiple partners, including seniors, need to protect themselves. They can do so by using latex condoms or other prophylactics,” says Dr. Goldberg.

Whether it’s health concerns, performance issues or knowing the risks of being sexually active, it is imperative that physicians and patients talk about sex.

“Physicians should inquire about their elderly patients’ sex lives to discuss possible risks and how to protect themselves. Patients should also bring up the topic with their physician in order to get their concerns and questions addressed,” says Dr. Goldberg.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations.  Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare.  For more information, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

Publish date: January 13, 2005