Don’t make the mistake of thinking great sex is only for 20-somethings. People can (and should) continue to have a healthy sex life complete with all the same connection, pleasure, and experimentation they’ve always enjoyed as they get older. No, your sex life won’t be exactly the same in your 40’s, 50’s, or 80’s as it was when you were barely past 20, but it can easily be every bit as satisfying. The following tips can help.
1. Make Fitness a Priority
You may not place sex in the same mental category as lifting weights or going for a jog, but it’s a form of exercise just the same. That said, staying fit is one of the best ways to keep sex satisfying. Working out doesn’t just help you build stamina, strength, flexibility, and confidence – all major assets to have in your corner in the bedroom. It also helps improve circulation, keeps your weight down, and lowers your risk of developing health conditions that can affect your sexual performance (e.g. diabetes and heart disease).
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A solid fitness routine should go hand in hand with a wholesome, healthful approach to nutrition, and there’s no time like the present to start. Good quality fuel like lean protein, fresh produce, and delicious whole grain helps your body be its absolute best in just about any situation, up to and including sex. Like exercise, healthy eating also helps preserve your erectile function by helping you keep problems like hypertension and high cholesterol at bay, especially once you pass the age of 40.
3. Communicate Openly and Honestly
Communication is an important part of having excellent sex at any age, but it becomes even more important as you age. Even if you and your partner both do everything you can to stay in the pink of good health, it’s a given that you’ll change over the years, both physically and mentally. Keeping the lines of communication open is the key to keeping things satisfying, comfortable, and fulfilling for both of you. Get comfortable discussing your desires, concerns, and thoughts about sex, and encourage your partner to do the same. Be honest. Keep things playful. Yes, communicating is important, but there’s no reason why it can’t be enjoyable as well.
4. Keep Trying New Things
Getting older doesn’t have to mean saying good-bye to your sexual creativity. If anything, you’ll likely have more time to take for yourselves as any children you might have get older or you start to think about retirement. Many people use that additional freedom to explore new hobbies and discover new passions. There’s absolutely no reason why your sex life can’t be part of that satisfying process. Prolong the experience of lovemaking by starting with a romantic meal or a sensual massage. Try new positions. Explore new sensations by bringing sex toys into your repertoire. This is the perfect point in your lives together to get truly creative and love every minute of it.
5. Take It Easy on the Alcohol
Sure, a glass of wine or two can be a great way to set the mood and loosen up a little before you do the deed. Just don’t overdo it. Too much alcohol can wreak havoc on your sexual response system and your ability to perform even when you’re young, but this is even more the case as you age. It can reduce a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, as well as a woman’s ability to become fully aroused and ready for sex. It can affect or inhibit the ability to have an orgasm, so less is definitely more when it comes to the cocktails.
6. Have Sex Regularly
Make no mistake about it. Sex is an important part of any full life well-lived, especially if you’re married or in a long-term relationship. However, life can get in the way sometimes. As you age, health issues, self-esteem issues related to lifestyle changes, and discomfort with ways your body might be changing can make it tempting to put sex on the back burner as well. Don’t let yourselves fall out of the habit of making love on the regular. Go out of your way to sexually connect frequently, even if it means scheduling sex or giving it a shot without necessarily being in the perfect mood. The more you do it, the more you’ll want to do it, and the better you’ll be at it.
At the end of the day, great sex is for everyone, whether they’re 18 or 80. Go out of your way to take care of your body, communicate with your partner, and feed your libido, and there’s absolutely no reason why your sex life can’t stay red hot and satisfying indefinitely.
