Sex at Sixty-too

Dear Dr. G,

I am from the generation of baby boomer who has just passed my sixth decade of life.

Born shortly after Malaysian Independence, I am reflecting on my life’s journey from midlife crisis and beyond. Many of my contemporaries tell me it’s time to wind down and contemplate looking after the grandchildren.

On the contrary, my wife and I are still going from strength to strength, especially in the bedroom department.

Despite being in my early 60s, I am still getting morning woods and good libido. Okay, it’s not like we are still at it like in the teenage years. However, from the mid-40s to this day, there is no sign of slowing down.

My friends think it is abnormal to still have an active sex life at this age. On that note, I would like to put Dr. G on the spot on the issues of sex at 60s:

Can you please tell me whether it is normal to be sexually driven at this age? Is the active sex life harmful to us at this age?

I know I am lucky to still have the morning glory at 60. I also hope you can tell me the way for me to sustain the morning (and nighttime) glory for many more years to come?

Finally, would like to take this opportunity to wish the Malaysia a Happy 62nd birthday!

Yours truly,
Glory Gordon

Baby boomers are the cohort of generation widely associated with growing up during a period of increasing affluence and privileges. As the post-World War generation, individuals born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers benefited from government subsidies in housing and education. Undoubtedly, people from this era were wealthier and physically fitter than preceding generations.

Enjoying peak levels of income, abundance of food, retirement programmes and even “midlife-crisis” products, the baby boomers are often criticized for the excessive increase in consumerism. As the baby boomers advanced into the golden years, the over-indulgence has indeed witnessed many suffering from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Aging with such challenges in health clearly has its negative impact in the bedroom.

On the other hand, the baby boomers taking advantage of improved nutrition and fitness can enjoy longevity both inside and outside the bedroom. Sexual health is an integral part of overall health. In fact, there is even evidence that keeping the love flames going will have overall benefit for physical and mental well-being.

One study in 2016 revealed that enhanced sexual activities for couples aged 50 and 89 is associated with improved cognitive functions. While men demonstrated better aptitude in remembering number sequences, women also enjoyed better memory overall following increased sexual frequency. Many studies also highlighted the “mature” form of sex may evolve with advancing age, as intimacy may not necessary lead to penetrative intercourse like in the younger days. Sex becomes more affectionate as the urgent lust of youthful sex dissipates.

However, many couples living healthy lifestyles, with undiminished appetite for sex and the matching stamina for penetrative intercourse, continue to experience “blazing inferno” in the bedroom well into the golden years and beyond. There are a number of measures couples can take to keep the romance alive in their 60s. Of course, being physically and mentally healthy can make action between the sheets somewhat effortless. Great nutrition and active lifestyle can maintain agility and keep your love life going from strength to strength.

On the other hand, women having vaginal dryness after menopause may also benefit from lubrication and hormonal replacement, while men with compromised erection may rise to the occasions with the assistance of the blue pill. Confucius once said: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

As men (and women) age, the inevitable physical and fitness changes in the body often have a negative impact on sexual relationship. Facing the obstacles of ED and vaginal dryness often times render the acceptance of “sexless lives” in couples 60s and beyond.

Dr. G is rarely put on the spot by inspirational couples continuing to enjoy vibrant sex into the sixty-too. In the spirit of a nation celebrating sixty-two years of glory, his advice about keeping the glorious action well into Golden Years is: “Our greatest glory is not in accepting the falling, but keeping fit and rising to all occasions!”

On that note, have a glorious Merdeka Weekend!