The American Association of Retired Persons is here to squash a common belief around maybe an awkward aspect of getting older: sex.
One in five American couples over the age of 50 are “non-sexual”, defined by psychologists as having sex less than 10 times per year. While there is no hard-and-fast-rule as to which partner stops initiating first, but generally after 50, psychologist Barry McCarthy claims it’s men.
According to the AARP, 72 percent of people between 65 and 80 have a romantic partner and of those 54 percent are sexually active. Even then, those who are not currently sexually active report having a desire for sex.
The study conducted by the group found that while women were less sexually active, they were more likely to be satisfied with their sex lives.
Iris Krasnow, a specialist in relationships and personal growth, revealed that “sex after 50 can be the best sex of your life because, for one reason, an empty nest means more spontaneity for intimacy.”
“I hear from a lot of wives with empty nests who have found the kitchen to be a real hot spot,” she said.
Krasnow also provided some tips on how to keep your sex life alive well into your golden years.
“The best way to stoke the fires and keep a marriage hot or at least really warm after 50 is to remember to put ‘have sex’ on your to-do list,” she said. “Busy couples with two professions and long marriages can take each other for granted and/or be too exhausted at the end of the day to even speak to each other, let alone undress each other.
“If you’re not talking, you’re probably not touching,” she added. “And if you’re not touching, you’re in trouble. Sustained intimacy, emotional and to some degree physical — even if it’s hugging and kissing — are essential for making a marriage last as we age.”
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