The younger population assumes that seniors never have sex. In spite of what the young people think, and contrary to popular belief, the elderly are sexual beings. As age brings about physical changes in seniors health indicators also change. And these changes are not all bad; neither do they mean that seniors cannot have as fulfilling sex as any young couple. Understanding some of the natural physical changes that occur in the four stages of the sexual response cycle, i.e. excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution, helps older adults continue to have a healthy and happy sex life.

Sexual activity involves both the mind and body and has the potential to be a wonderful experience when shared by adult partners who love and respect each other, regardless of their age. It is common to think that orgasm must be achieved with every sexual contact but this is actually a myth. Sexual pleasure can well be attained with touching, talking, and being physically close, in addition to intercourse, oral sex, and orgasm. When it comes to seniors health also plays an important role in their sexuality.

For example, arthritis can cause pain that limits sexual activity. And, sometimes, the medications used to control arthritis pain reduce sexual desire. A change in timing can fix that. In women, vaginal dryness, breast soreness, decreased desire, even depression, which come from lowered estrogen, levels decrease desire for sex. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is common today, though it requires constant supervision from the doctor for its potentially negative side effects. Anti-depressants, herbal supplements and vaginal lubricants have given to seniors health relief from these usually temporary setbacks. One of the biggest sexual inhibitors for seniors is alcohol. Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary prescription and recreational drugs can be a boon to sexual activity without giving seniors health concerns.

There are drugs like Viagra and the like which can improve sexual activity in elders. The negative side to this however, is that with the possibility comes responsibility which if not handles well, results in trouble. Reports say that there is a steep increase in STDs among seniors 1999 onwards, owing to sex-enhancing drugs. From the freedom these drugs give seniors health becomes a major threat. It is important that elders are made aware of the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) danger on the same lines teenagers are made aware of it. Both the categories believe in the myth that they are not at "the age" when they can catch the malady. And both are wrong. Age, whether old or young does not give any type of immunity however small, to sexually transmitted disease.

It is wise that seniors as young people use condom whenever they begin a new sexual partnership. For the long-term relationships, it is advisable to have both partners test and have medical clearance on AIDS, or any other STD's as indicated by the medical practitioner.