I had discussed erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, sexual perversion, male sexuality etc, etc over the years. But my readers, especially the elderly would always want to know, whether their sexual decline was peculiar to them.
One man, who generated this write up, bluntly told me, that at 65, he has quit bordering or thinking about sex, because he does not want to take any sex enhancing drugs. Another had asked indirectly, whether sex was still needed at his age. The answers I gave them will be gleaned from this piece.
First, we must all understand that there are no hard and fast rules about male sexuality. Some men at 70 are still sexually active. They could achieve a sustained erection, penetration and ejaculation. Others at 60 could hardly get it up.
Some are psychologically depressed, that they could no longer have sex, while others accommodate lack of sexual outlet with equanimity through spiritual obfuscation.
Sexual activity actually declines with age. But is this because of lack of ability or lack of opportunity?
Hormone production in males.
• The decline in testosterone production is quite steady, from the age of 20 upwards
• There is no sudden point at which old age takes effect, and in fact after the age of 60 the rate of decline eases off.
• The decline in sexual activity does seem to follow the same kind of pattern. But there are so many other factors affecting sexual performance in the older male but it is unlikely that the testosterone level exercises a major influence.
• The amount of testosterone produced even to the end of life, is usually adequate for sexual activity.
• In fact, at any time after puberty, sexual response and activity probably come to depend more and more on the higher centres of the brain – the hypothalamus, and on the autonomic nervous system, rather than on testosterone production.
General physical decline.
• The physical degeneration of aging naturally slows down the processes of sex.
• Semen production, erection and ejaculation all take more time and more stimulation.
• The need and ability for orgasm declines. All this continues the decline and are observable in men from an early age.
• But in old age, some new factors appear.
• Poverty may lead to poor nutrition – with a resulting loss of energy, and especially sexual energy.
• Decline or disease in non-sexual bodily functions may make it difficult to perform sexual roles.
• Nevertheless, a healthy and fit person should be capable of some sexual activity at any age.
Psychological factors.
The main causes of declining sexual activity may often be psychological.
1) Psychological impotence.
• The percentage of men suffering from total impotence increases slightly through the middle years, and more rapidly as old age is reached.
• In old age, physical factors are certainly involved. Yet, one major cause of total impotence, at any stage of life, seems to be psychological.
• Impotence occurs more often in those who have been sexuality anxious, and for whom age provides safe and valid excuse for ceasing sexual activity.
• in addition, the psychological trauma, experienced by a male in middle age, when coming to terms with his life’s work and expectations may lead to depression, disappointment and self-doubt, and this can sometimes effect future sexuality.
2) Partner problems.
• The availability and attitude of, and feeling for, a sexual partner will also increase or lesson desire.
• Again, age may give an excuse for ending sexual relations that have been merely dutiful.
3) Social norms.
• The prevalent attitudes of an individual’s social surroundings – his national culture, religion, sexual contacts and intimate friends – can all impinge on the individual’s attitude and thereby his performance.
• Many people, for example, end their lives in institutions in which any continued interest in sexuality is looked on as obscene.
Our take this week
Please if you are elderly, and your sexual drive is declining, do not be depressed, do not go for aphrodisiacs or become suicidal. Just go spiritual by rationalising that, there are people – Rev Father’s who deliberately adopt celibacy and swear to a sex less life. Please be medically guided.
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