Sex After 50 is a Minefield

This month’s edition of 50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) reports on the obstacles that those over 50 face when it comes to sex. You would think at this point in life it would be smooth sailing. There's Viagra, hormone therapy, sex toys, manuals, how-to tapes and pornography. So what's the problem?

November 1, 2005 -- The current edition of 50 plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) reveals that the sex lives of those over 50 are not as alive and kicking as previously reported. In a featured article called "Sex Obstacles after 50," some real-life issues that somehow get in the way, are discussed with sensitivity and candor.

There are performance and age issues. The fear of impotence looms as a man sometimes sees this as the beginning of the end of his sexuality. It can become a self fulfilling prophecy if he withdraws from sexual expression and intimacy.

Women don’t have it any easier. They often buy into the false premise that with menopause there is a decline in sexual desire. If the man believes this and as a result hesitates initiating intimacy, the woman can misinterpret that as lack of interest on his part. She may, consequently back away herself. “You see where this is going,” says 50plus Online Magazine’s Editor, Gary Geyer.

50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) makes a point of stressing that there is danger buying into the (outdated) perception that once one reaches a certain age, sex falls by the wayside.

“Living with teen-aged kids –yes some of us still have them, can also be an obstacle. During this period, many couples experience a slowdown, to say the least, in their sex lives. As we all know by now, it’s not like Ozzie and Harriet raising David and Ricky,” says Geyer.

At the other end of the spectrum are our aging parents. Being part of the generation often called “the sandwich generation,” is probably the most difficult of all for those 50+. We’re right smack in the middle, trying to cope with both our maturing children’s and our aging parent’s wants and needs.

“If that isn’t stressful enough, seeing our aging parent’s decline both physically and mentally is a glimpse into our own future. Definitely not a turn-on,” adds Geyer.

And then, sometimes there are health issues. “Unfortunately, conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic illnesses do put a damper on sexuality. No explanation needed,” says Geyer

50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) ends the article on a positive note. “Hopefully, we all know by now that the urges are still there. We may do it a little less often but as many of us can testify, we still enjoy it.”

“Just as rules were made to be broken, obstacles were made to be overcome.” 50plusMag’s advice? “Go for it!”

In addition to the article on Sex Obstacles After 50, this month‘s edition of 50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) features several other interesting articles relevant to the 50+ audience:
* Bogus Health advice for those over 50. (Humor)

* Checking your Eye-Q at 50+. (Well Being)

* Goldie Hawn –Keeping Doors Open. (50plus People)

* Brain Squeezer #12 -Your Hit Parade (Quiz)

* Petrified in Petra (Travel memoir)

About 50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com):
50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) continues to be the most entertaining and informative source on the web for Boomers, Young Seniors and retirees. The focus is on contemporary issues approached from a 50+ perspective.

Recent articles (that are still available on the site) have addressed:
- gambling compulsions among retirees
- the joys and perils of golf
- the death of a grandchild
- growing old in prison
- age discrimination in the workplace
- sexual fantasies of those over 50
- adopting a child when you are past 50
- trophy wives
- older women dating younger men
- being ignored by advertisers
- anti-aging products
- senior divorce
- alcoholic retirees
- a 50plus sex quiz
- homophobia in retirement homes
- sugar daddies and the women who love them

Gary Geyer is founder, editor and publisher of 50plus Online Magazine as well as President and Creative Director of Alive & Kicking Advertising — a marketing company that specializes in the 50+ market.

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