Sexuality in adulthood is still taboo. It’s like people over 60 don’t have an active and healthy sex life. But sexuality ends only with death.

I will use the term “sexuality at maturity” here, because I believe that the “best age” is always the one in which we live at the moment, the “third age” does not correspond to the life cycle (childhood, adolescence, adolescence). , adult, old age), and “elderly” in our society is almost death!

Does sex end with old age? No. Is there sex in adulthood? Yes, and that might be a good thing — Photo: Pexels/ND

Old age is a phase of life in which inevitable biological changes occur. That is, there are physical conditions that can compromise sexual function. But it is important to look for a solution. Sexuality medicine is here to help. It is also important to beware of not knowing your own sexual response. Beliefs and myths can get in the way of a good sex life.

However, I remind you that sexuality goes beyond sex. It is also affectivity, complicity and relationship. Thus, age-related biological changes may affect shape (change in flexibility) and timing (longer response time of the body), but not pleasure or quality.

By the way, we know that with more sexual experience and more time available, sex life can get even better! But all this will depend on how everyone relates to old age and their own sexuality.

Delights and problems of mature sex

Are there any problems? Yes. Chronic diseases? Yes. A cure for sexuality? Yes. Does sexual activity have an expiration date? No. Does sex end with old age? No. Is there sex in adulthood? Yes, and that might be good. I remind you that sexual function is undergoing changes, but taking care of your physical, mental and sexual health helps you maintain an active and satisfying sex life.

It’s important to know that not all people need or want sex as adults (and other life cycles). In our culture we talk so much about sex, but like I said, it’s not for everyone. Not everyone has sex and not everyone masturbates. And it’s all right!

Thus, sex will not always be the greatest pleasure in life. Sexuality is so much more than sex! And sexual autonomy is also an opportunity to say no and direct your lust to other pleasures in life.

But yes, there are opportunities (see, plural) of sexual experience in adulthood. And to be able to talk about it means to talk about freedom! For those who want to continue having sex, it is important to be aware of the importance of adjusting expectations and expanding the concept of sex.

For example, penetration need not be the goal of sexual activity. Quality will be more important than quantity, meaning the freedom to have sex whenever you feel like it. It’s about being able to choose what turns you on.

Some effects on sex life may occur. Since everything in life slows down as you get older, so will the sexual response be different. This may require the use of hormones, lubricants, and medications.

A woman’s sex drive may decrease due to low hormone levels, and lubrication may be difficult. In men, erection hardness decreases and may not occur with the same frequency, ejaculation may be less powerful, even with dry ejaculation, for example, in those who have had their prostate removed. These are some of the most common problems I encounter during my clinical appointments and on the Sexo sem Dúvida platform.

How did sexuality become a priority in your life? What does sex mean to you? Did you enjoy/like sex? Do you have intimacy? Is sex always important?

If you are open to sex and lead a healthy lifestyle, keep in mind that the importance and quality of your sexual experience in adulthood will depend on how you have cared for your sexuality throughout your life.

Now you will need to calmly have sex, strive for daily kindness, rediscover yourself, be in a good mood when difficulties arise. Your erotic memory and your ability to feel and give pleasure are beyond age. Can you tell me what turns you on as an adult?