Studies have shown that the issue of sexuality in older adults is more sensitive and important than in the young, and many elderly people try to maintain and strengthen this relationship. Sex can be defined as an emotional experience in the life of a man and a woman that puts them on the path to improving their physical and mental health. This definition is not limited to a certain age group or certain lifestyle. Contrary to the popular belief that sex is only the natural right of young people, this issue is also very important for the elderly.
With increasing age in men and women, problems and injuries may appear that affect sexual health and sometimes these problems like elderly parents marriage problems become unbearable. For example, in a research, two-thirds of men and half of elderly women considered complete satisfaction with their sex life to be essential for the quality of life together. Also, the University of Chicago Center for Aging has reached similar results, stating that the elderly attach great importance to the continuation of successful sex and consider it part of a good life.
The main problem in older people is that they have weak sexual power. All these people are looking for the best way to boost their libido (sex drive). In this article from the Human Health Mag website, we have provided explanations about the factors affecting the enhancement of sexual desire in the elderly with natural ways, factors that reduce sexual power in elderly, and the importance of seeing a doctor to resolve this problem.
Benefits of Sexuality in Older Adults
- Improving physical health by stimulating the immune system
- Improving mental and emotional well-being by releasing feel-good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin
- Increasing self-confidence and promoting positive perceptions of yourself and your partner
- Enhancing family connections and improving marital relationships
- Reducing stress and anxiety and increasing vitality and happiness
6 Natural Ways to Boost Libido (Sex Drive) in the Elderly
In old age, sexual health is one of the most important factors that must be considered to maintain quality of life. Over time, physiological and hormonal changes in the body can lead to a decrease in sexual function and sexual satisfaction. However, these problems can be improved by following the appropriate methods. How to increase sexual power in elderly people? Some natural solutions to increase sexuality in older adults and sexual power in elderly people include:
- Healthy nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Stress management
- Improving sleep quality
- Strengthening relationships
- Consuming medicinal herbs
We will explain each of these separately below. Please keep reading.
Healthy Nutrition and Increasing of Sexuality in Older Adults
Eating healthy is one of the important ways to maintain sexual health in old age. Consuming foods with high nutritional value can improve sexual function and satisfaction, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and increase energy levels.
For example, consuming foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds, can help improve overall health and increase energy. So don’t ignore the benefits of nuts for the elderly. Some foods, such as dark chocolate, honey, and avocados, are also known as natural libido boosters. Increasing your intake of foods containing zinc, such as shellfish, red meat, and eggs, can also help in this regard. Another strategy is to reduce your intake of processed foods and sugars.
Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain sexual health in old age. Research has shown that people who engage in regular physical activity have better sexual function and experience greater sexual satisfaction. Regular physical exercise can improve blood circulation and cardiovascular function, increase energy and mood, increase the body’s tolerance to sexual activity, reduce stress, and increase body flexibility.
Pelvic floor strengthening exercises are one of the most effective ways to improve sexuality in older adults. By exercising the pelvic floor, you can strengthen the muscles of the lower abdomen and pelvic area and improve sexual function. Exercises such as yoga, walking, and other gentle exercises can also help increase libido in the elderly.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the factors that has a great impact on the decline in sexual desire in the elderly. There are various relaxation techniques for stress management, including relaxation exercises, massage for seniors, yoga, and meditation.
Improve Sleep Quality
Sufficient, quality sleep can help improve the energy and mood of older adults, and thus enhance their libido. These individuals should try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Strengthening Relationships
Communicating openly and honestly, as well as strengthening your emotional connection with your partner, can help increase your sexual desire. Creating romantic moments, intimacy, talking and spending time together, and expressing affection can strengthen relationships.
Consumption of Medicinal Herbs
Some medicinal herbs such as ginseng and saffron have great effects on enhancing sexuality in older adults. Of course, the consumption of these herbs should be done in consultation with a traditional medicine specialist for proper use.
Factors Affecting the Decline of Sexuality in Older Adults
There are many factors that have a great impact on the state and quality of emotional life and the resolution of sexual disorders in the elderly. These factors can be physiological, psychological, or factors related to lifestyle.
Physiological Factors
As people age, they may feel more tired, which can affect their desire for sexual activity. There are several physiological factors that play a role in the decline in sexual desire in older adults. Some of these factors include:
- Hormonal changes: As we age, levels of hormones such as testosterone in men and estrogen in women decrease, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
- Chronic conditions: Health problems and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid problems can have a negative impact on sexual desire. Pelvic pain, vaginal dryness in women, or erectile dysfunction in men can also affect the sexual experience.
- Medications: Some medications, especially antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-anxiety medications, can have side effects, one of which is decreased sexual ability and sexual problems in the elderly.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors can have a big impact on older adults’ sexual desire. Some of these factors include:
- Anxiety and stress: Everyday worries, financial problems, or family issues can increase stress and decrease sexuality in older adults.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness can lead to a decrease in interest in sexual activities. Depression can have a profound effect on a person’s mood and energy.
- Body image: As they age, some people may feel that they have lost their physical attractiveness, and this can affect their sexual desire.
- Interpersonal relationships: Unpleasant or traumatic experiences in the past can affect a person’s attitude toward sex. Worries about health or fear of getting hurt during sex can also cause a decrease in sexual desire.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors are also important factors that play a significant role in sexual power in elderly. Some of these factors include the following:
- Poor nutrition: An unhealthy diet and nutrient deficiencies can lead to decreased energy and libido. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help improve overall health and libido.
- Inactivity: Lack of exercise and physical activity can lead to decreased energy and stamina, which can negatively affect sexuality in the aging woman, the man and the couple. Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation and increase energy.
- Smoking and alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol use can lead to health problems and decreased libido. Quitting these habits can help improve quality of life and libido.
- Insufficient sleep: Insufficient and poor quality sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased energy, which can affect sexuality in older adults.
Herbal Remedies to Increase Sexuality in Older Adults (Men and Women)
As we age, the frequency of sexual intercourse decreases and we observe a decrease in sexual desire in older men and women. Statistics show that only 40 percent of women and men aged 65-80 are sexually active, and women in their 70s are more satisfied with their sexual relationships compared to those in their 40s, which is very surprising. There are always natural ways to enhance libido and strengthen erections. We will tell you some of the best male enhancement supplements.
What to Eat to Enhance Sexuality in Ageing Male?
One of the main factors in reducing libido can be a deficiency of vitamin B. In general, this nutrient affects energy levels. There are many foods that are rich in vitamin B. Include foods that contain vitamin B, such as poultry, beef, eggs, and green leafy vegetables in your daily diet as much as possible to ensure that you receive enough of this nutrient.
The best supplements to increase sexuality in older adults are those that support the natural production of energy and hormones in your body. In this regard, the consumption of vitamins E and A – antioxidants that are considered herbal remedies for strengthening the physical strength of men and can help boost energy, blood circulation, and cell growth – is recommended. Also, healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains contain these nutrients. You can also use vitamin supplements to enhance your male sexual desire.
Some studies show that there is a relationship between zinc deficiency and sexual desire in older people. By consuming zinc, instead of looking for the best enhancement pills for men without side effects, we recommend foods rich in zinc. The benefits of zinc for the elderly are undeniable. Among the foods that contain zinc, mussels are one of the best food sources for this important mineral and therefore can also help increase and enhance sexual desire.
Consumption of selenium is one of the best ways to increase sexual desire in old age. Maybe you don’t know what selenium is? And do you know about the effect of selenium on increasing sexual power in older people? Selenium is naturally found in nuts, beef, tuna, and grains. But our usual advice is to be careful about consuming it. Because consuming this nutrient at high levels (more than 400 micrograms) can cause some side effects, including heart, kidney, and liver problems. It can also increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.
L-arginine Consumption and Its Effect on Increasing Sexual Desire in Senior Women
Some preliminary research by researchers has shown that L-arginine supplements help increase sexual desire in women. This supplement is one of the best libido-enhancing pills. Which is available in pharmacies. This pill increases the flow of blood to the vaginal area in women.
The Importance of Going to the Physician for Increasing Sexuality in Older Adults
A decrease in sexual desire in seniors is natural to some extent, but if the decrease is significant, we recommend consulting a specialist for scientific examination and drug treatment. It is very important to see a healthcare provider or mental health expert to treat decreased sexual desire in the elderly. Many seniors may be dealing with chronic diseases that affect their libido. Doctors can help manage these illnesses and reduce their impact on their sex lives with appropriate treatments.
A healthcare provider or mental health expert can help identify the underlying causes of low libido, whether they are physiological, psychological, or lifestyle-related. A correct diagnosis can help with more effective treatment. Some medications may have side effects that include decreased libido. A doctor can suggest alternative medications or changes in dosage.
Visiting a sex therapist can also make seniors feel more supported and understood. He/she can help them better cope with their feelings and concerns. A doctor can prescribe appropriate treatments, including medications, counseling, or lifestyle changes that can help improve libido. Be careful, in case of prescribing medicine for the elderly, their family or the elderly nurse should give the medicines of these elderly people regularly so that it has a positive effect on their problem.
If there are sexual problems in old age, the use of new treatment methods such as hormone therapy and surgical methods can also lead to improved sexual health. These methods can also lead to improved sexual function and sexual satisfaction.
What Drugs Cause Increased Sexuality in Older Adults?
How can older men increase their libido? Medications used to increase sexual desire in the elderly are no different from medications used for other ages. Various medications are sold in pharmacies to increase libido in the elderly and enhance sexual relations in them, which are best used after consulting a doctor. There are medications like Viagra on the market that help with erectile dysfunction in elderly men. It is better to know that the effect of these medications is temporary and only for one sexual intercourse and must be taken again for the next sexual intercourse.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we discussed the causes and factors affecting sexuality in older adults, as well as the ways to improve it and the factors affecting the reduction of sexual desire. As we age, we always see a decrease in sexual desire in the elderly, but this does not mean that there is no sexual need in the elderly. Sexual relations in the elderly can have many benefits for them that help improve their lives. Using the methods mentioned in this article for better sex as you age, sexual problems in the elderly can be solved to an acceptable extent.
We must remind the elderly that a healthy sex life can help improve emotional relationships, reduce stress, and increase their quality of life. This can even give them a sense of vitality and happiness.
In general, sexual health in old age is one of the important things for maintaining the quality of life. By following the appropriate methods, sexual performance and sexual satisfaction in older adults can be improved. Regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, stress management, general health care, healthy nutrition, pelvic floor exercises, seeing a doctor, using new treatment methods, seeking sexual counseling, and taking care of yourself are some of the ways to enhance sexual function in the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do women lose their sexual desire with age?
As mentioned above, with age, the amount of estrogen decreases. It causes changes in the genitals of women and ultimately these changes reduce their sexual desire. It is possible to improve sexual impotence in women by using ways such as strengthening women’s sexual sensation with medicinal herbs.
What methods are there to strengthen the sex of the elderly?
Since there are many methods to strengthen sexuality in older adults, the most important of them are regular physical exercises, healthy nutrition, and consulting with a sex therapist to strengthen the sexual relationship in the elderly.
Why do problems or disorders arise in the relationship of the elderly?
Physical and mental problems, improper nutrition, etc. are among the reasons that cause problems or disorders in the relationship of the elderly.
True or False? Is it possible to enlarge the male penis permanently?
It is not possible to permanently increase the length of the penis. Medications only temporarily relieve erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Instead of using these medications, we recommend that you use solutions such as herbal remedies or oatmeal to improve premature ejaculation.