Friday 9 December 2016

How to improve female libido at old ages?

A common complaint for many women is the loss of libido, or sex drive. Often this symptom is associated with menopause, but adult women of varying age groups have noted a decline in sex drive. While no one resolution exists, certain strategies can offer significant help for this condition and overall well-being.


At the foundation of this issue, most women aren’t aware of all the factors that effect libido, or the treatments available to help. Many are too embarrassed to share their worry with a physician. Patients are often told they are overstressed or depressed and given an antidepressant. Unfortunately, many medications actually make the problem worse. Many women note that stress is not the major issue, and that depression is really frustration that their libido is not in sync with that of their partner.
Focus on the following areas to add flicker back to the flame.

Sleep:
Libido is just one of many areas affected by poor sleep. Without quality sleep, energy will suffer and the body is forced to ration its energy. For those needing a good night’s sleep and a libido lift, start a gentle exercise program in the evening. Explore yoga or tai chi which don’t exhaust the body, and provide a nice sense of relaxation for the mind.

De-stress:
If stress is a major distraction from your love life, utilize tools to help the body unwind. Massage, exercise and adequate rest are powerful against stress. B complex vitamins help support the stress glands, adrenal glands, as does ginseng and licorice. Eating a healthy diet with limited refined sugar helps keep the body in balance. If depression is an issue, this should be discussed with a significant other and a physician so that you can observe other therapies.

Hormonal Therapies:
Fatigue is often a major contributor to low libido. If the body feels that is does not have the strength to get through the day at an optimal level, it will begin to ration its energy. On a biochemical level, fatigue and stress drive certain hormones, like DHEA and testosterone, down. Though these are often considered male hormones, they are also found and needed in females (in lesser amounts). Low levels of testosterone and DHEA can be replaced to help raise libido.

DHEA can be taken orally and is available over-the-counter. Testosterone is available by prescription and is typically given to women as a cream. Both of these hormones may be low in women well before menopause has started. They can be checked through blood, urine or saliva testing. For many, replacement with DHEA and other hormones can also improve sleep and improve mood, both of which provide a natural boost to libido.



Herbals:
Ginseng has historically been used to improve endurance and stamina. It is tolerated well and combines with DHEA to aid in libido and what is often described as an “improved sense of well-being” Observe caution if you experience high blood pressure or have a history of high heart rate.

L-theanine:

This extract of green tea has a gentle calming and focusing effect on the mind, lessening the “racing” that keeps the brain awake at night and disrupts the body’s attention toward lovemaking.








Saturday 22 October 2016

Calcium Deficiency and its effect on our Health

Calcium is a common mineral found in many foods. The body needs calcium to maintain strong bones, for muscles to do their job properly and nerves to carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Calcium is also used to move blood and manage the release of various hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the body. Almost all calcium is stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness.
Calcium is found in many foods, including milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, broccoli and Chinese cabbage as well as in fish with soft bones such as canned sardines and salmon. Calcium is traditionally added to some breakfast cereals, fruit juices, soy and rice beverages and tofu. Finally, breads, pastas and unfortified cereals also add significant amounts of calcium to the diet.
Certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough calcium. If you have a calcium deficiency for any reason, you may benefit from incorporating a Nutrition supplement into your diet that has calcium in it.  People who typically struggle with getting enough calcium include:
  • Postmenopausal women, because they experience greater bone loss and do not  absorb     calcium as well.
  • Women of childbearing age whose menstrual periods stop because they exercise      heavily, eat too little or both.
  • People with lactose intolerance experience bloating, gas and diarrhea when the drink   more than small amounts of milk at a time. However, they can eat other calcium-rich dairy products that are low in lactose, such as yogurt and many cheeses.
  • Vegans and ovo-vegetarians avoid dairy products that are a major source of calcium.
  • Many other general factors can affect the amount of calcium absorbed from the digestive tract, including:
  •  Age - efficiency of calcium absorption decreases as people age, which is why recommended calcium intakes are higher for people over age 50.
  • Vitamin D intake - this vitamin is produced in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight and it increases calcium absorption.
  • Components in food - such as oxalic acid in some vegetables and beans and phytic acid in whole grains can reduce calcium absorption.
  • Factors that affect how much calcium the body eliminates - including alcohol and caffeine containing beverages as well as nutrients such as protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus.




Inadequate calcium intake does not produce obvious symptoms in the short term because the body maintains calcium levels in the blood by taking it from bone. Over the long term, consumption below recommended levels can have serious negative health consequences, such as causing low bone mass and increasing risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

This is why many doctors advise patients to supplement their diet with extra calcium by eating Calcium rich fruits & vegetables and Dietary supplements having high in calcium.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH CALCIUM IS KNOWN TO AFFECT HEALTH:

  • Bone health - bones need plenty of calcium and vitamin D throughout childhood and adolescence to reach their peak strength and calcium content by about age 30. After that, bones slowly lose calcium, but these losses can be reduced by getting recommended amounts of calcium throughout adulthood and by having a healthy, active
  • Lifestyle that includes weight-bearing physical activity such as walking and running.
  • Osteoporosis - is a disease of the bones in older adults especially women in which the bones become porous, fragile, and more prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is a serious public health problem for more than 10 million adults over the age of 50 in the US. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes as well as regular exercise are essential to keep bones healthy throughout life.
  • Heart disease and stroke - studies show that getting enough calcium might protect people from heart disease and stroke. But other studies show that some people who consume high amounts of calcium, particularly from supplements, might have an increased risk of heart disease. 
  • High blood pressure (BP) - some studies have found that getting recommended intakes of calcium can reduce the risk of developing high BP or hypertension. One large study in particular found that eating a diet high in fat-free and low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits lowered BP. 



The two common forms of calcium dietary supplements are carbonate and citrate.

Calcium carbonate is inexpensive and is absorbed best when taken with food. Calcium citrate, a more expensive supplement, is absorbed well on an empty or a full stomach.

People with low levels of stomach acid absorb calcium citrate more easily than calcium carbonate. Other forms of calcium in supplements and fortified foods include gluconate, lactate and phosphate.
Calcium supplements may cause gas, bloating, and constipation in some people. Getting too much calcium can cause constipation. In adults, too much calcium - typically from dietary supplements but not food - might increase the risk of kidney stones. Most people do not get amounts above the upper limits from food alone; excess intakes usually come from the use of calcium supplements. Surveys show that some older women probably get amounts above the upper safe limit because of the common use of calcium supplements.
Your doctor, pharmacist and other health care providers can tell you if your dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or over-the-counter medicines or alternatively, if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs, uses or breaks down vital nutrients.
Clinical evidence suggests that chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis affects bone mass and osteoporosis. For example, a lower dietary intake of acid-producing foods meant greater spine and hip bone mineral density along with greater forearm bone mass in over 1000 women aged 45-54 years. On the other hand, a prospective, blinded study using potassium citrate in 161 postmenopausal women also showed an increase in their bone mass over a 12-month period.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to consume the daily recommended servings of fresh veggies and fruits needed to restore the body's natural acid-base balance. 

For your specific Healthcare, Lifestyle and Nutrition Plan, you may consult with me Or recommend to me through mail  at duttas.diet4u@gmail.com   

Sunday 2 October 2016

How to improve Men’s fertility?

People tend to think that if a woman is not getting pregnant the fertility issue must be with the woman, but that is not necessarily always true. Low sperm count and infertility of men is more prevalent than most couples think. There is an equal chance that male factor infertility can be the cause of a couple’s difficulty in achieving pregnancy.




It takes two to make a baby. Although a woman will carry and deliver the child, a man also has a leading role in pregnancy. For fertilization to occur, his sperm must be healthy and strong enough to reach and penetrate the woman's egg. 




To make this process happen, a man must be able to have and keep an erection, possess enough sperm that are the right shape and move in the right way, and have enough semen to carry the sperm to the egg.
While women have many tests to try to find out the cause of infertility, men have only a couple, the sperm analysis being the easiest.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, make sure that both of you go and get infertility testing. The results of a good test would be a sperm count of 20 million or more sperm with healthy motility and morphologySub optimal levels are less than 20 million sperm.
If you find that your sperm levels are low or are having issues with mobility, motility or morphology, this article may help you to improve sperm count naturally.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
There are many potential causes of low sperm count and male infertility, fortunately many of them we have control over by reducing exposure to them.
Here is a list of the top culprits:
·       EMF’s – Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF’s) have been shown through studies to lower sperm count due to the heating of the testicles from the EMF’s. Do not keep your cell phone in your pocket and do not place your laptop computer on your lap.

·         Radio frequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) – A study showed that RF-EMWs emitted from devices connected to Wi-Fi (wireless internet) decrease sperm motility, while increasing sperm DNA fragmentation. Men should avoid using laptop computers running on a Wi-Fi connection directly on their lap. In addition, be sure to avoid carrying a smart phone in your front pocket.

·      Cigarette smoking – Smoking damages the sperm. Period. The good news is the damage done from smoking can be reversed… As long as you quit smoking.

·         Pesticides and hormones in foods – The pesticides found on produce and the hormones added to dairy and meat have a HUGE effect on a man’s hormonal balance. Pesticides mimic estrogens in the body while the added hormones in meat and dairy are actual hormones (like estrogen) you do not want in your system.

·         Soy foods – Highly processed soy foods (soy milk, TVP, soy burgers, etc.) contain concentrated amounts of isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen shown to block estrogen receptor sites that are needed for testosterone.

·         Alcohol– In a study of men with poor sperm quality, excessive alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in the number of normal sperm.

·         Plastics – When plastics are heated they release xenohormones which mimic estrogen in the body.

·         Hyperthermia (overheating) – The testicles need to keep the sperm at a healthy temperature (which is less than the body’s temperature). It is thought that this may be in part why the male reproductive organs are external. Heat is known to damage sperm, so it may be best to avoid repeated exposure to activities that may elevate the temperature of the testicles. Examples are frequent use of saunas or hot tubs. In addition, tight underwear like briefs can keep the testicles from being able to hang and regulate their temperature. Boxers could be an alternative to briefs.

·         Stress – Stress can have a big impact on hormone balance which can in turn have an effect on sperm production.

                                                      Diet & Nutrients for Healthy Male Fertility
Diet has a big impact on sperm health and male fertility. What you are eating today is impacting the sperm that will be swimming 3 months from now.
Study findings show a range of 42 to 76 days from the time of sperm production to ejaculation in normal men.
The changes that you make today are impacting the sperm you will be using two to three months from now. This means that it will take about 2-3 months for diet, herbs and supplements to have an effect on sperm health.
Here are the nutrients specifically needed for a healthy male fertility diet, they should be added to the diet as well as supplemented:

Zinc
In men, zinc is considered one of the most important trace minerals for fertility; increasing zinc levels in infertile men has been shown to boost sperm levels, improve the form, function and quality of the sperm thus decreasing male infertility.

Food sources: Calf liver, oysters, beef, lamb, venison, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, turkey, peas, and shrimp. Zinc can be damaged by cooking so it is important to eat some foods high in zinc in their raw forms.

Selenium
Selenium is necessary for the creation of sperm. In studies, men with low sperm counts have also been found to have low levels of selenium.

Food sources: Brazil nuts, liver, snapper, cod, halibut, tuna, salmon, sardines, shrimp, and turkey.

CoQ10 
Necessary for every cell in the body for energy production, CoQ10 is an important antioxidant that helps to protect cells from free radical damage, thus protecting DNA: it is necessary for sperm motility in semen. Additionally, studies have shown that CoQ10 can increase sperm health.

Food sources: Found most abundantly in seafood and organ meats, though it is very difficult to obtain through the diet. CoQ10 Ubiquinol supplementation is the best way to obtain CoQ10 – keep in mind that amounts in the body decline with age.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been shown in studies to improve sperm health and motility in men. Studies have also shown a diet deficient in Vitamin E to be a cause of infertility in rats. The meaning of the name for vitamin E ‘Tocopherol’ literally means to bear young. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant to help protect sperm and egg DNA integrity.

Food sources: Sunflower seeds, almonds, olives, spinach, papaya, and dark leafy greens.

Folic acid – New research suggests that folic acid can boost sperm health. Men with low levels of folate had increased risks for sperm that contained too little or too many chromosomes. If an egg is fertilized by an abnormal sperm it could result in a birth defect such as downs syndrome, or an increased chance of miscarriage.

Food sources: Liver, lentils, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, asparagus, spinach, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and collard greens.

Vitamin B12 – Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is involved in cellular replication and studies indicate a deficiency can lead to reduced sperm count and motility. Supplementation is advised for any man whose sperm count is less than 20 million or has a motility rate of less than 50%. Studies indicate that supplementation with vitamin B12 at 1,000mcg per day may increase sperm count.

Food sources: Clams, oysters, muscles, liver, caviar (fish eggs), fish, crab, lobster, beef, lamb, cheese, and eggs.

Vitamin C – For men, vitamin C has been shown to improve sperm quality and protect sperm from DNA damage; helping to reduce the chance of miscarriage and chromosomal problems. Vitamin C also appears to keep sperm from clumping together, making them more motile.

Food sources: Abundant in plants and fruits including red peppers, broccoli, cranberries, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus fruit.

L-Carnitine – Carnitine is a necessary nutrient for sperm cells to function normally. Sperm require high concentrations of carnitine for energy metabolism. Studies indicate that the level of free carnitine in seminal fluid directly correlates with sperm count and motility. The lower the concentrations of carnitine in the seminal fluid, the lower the sperm count. Research shows that supplementing with L-carnitine for a minimum of 4 months helps to increase sperm count and motility in men with low sperm count and quality. Carnitine and CoQ10 have been shown to work synergistically when combined.

Food sources: Red meat and dairy products.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants are one of the most important components to having healthy fertility that every man and women needs to focus on. Antioxidants help to protect the sperm from free radical damage. Free radicals are able to damage both sperm cell health and the cell’s DNA. The DNA of both partners is the future blueprint for a child.

Damaged DNA is known to cause miscarriages, birth defects, and/or developmental problems for the future child. Studies have also shown a connection between oxidative stress caused from free radicals and male infertility. Who recommended dietary supplements for Multi-vitamins and mineral contains all of the most important antioxidants nutrients in a capsule form. This blend is great for both men and women, but especially for men with low sperm count and poor sperm health.

                                                               



Thursday 22 September 2016

Aerobic exercise and improvement of Heart health

In physical exercise, aerobic exercise is complementary to anaerobic exercise.
Aerobic literally means "with oxygen", and refers to the use of oxygen in muscles' energy-generating process.
Aerobic exercise includes any type of exercise, typically those performed at moderate levels of intensity for extended periods of time, that maintains an increased heart rate.
In such exercise, oxygen is used to "burn" fats and glucose in order to produce adenosine triphosphate, the basic energy carrier for all cells. Initially during aerobic exercise, glycogen is broken down to produce glucose, but in its absence, fat metabolism is initiated instead.
The latter is a slow process, and is accompanied by a decline in performance level.
The switch to fat as fuel is a major cause of what marathon runners call "hitting the wall." There are various types of aerobic exercise.
In general, aerobic exercise is one performed at a moderately high level of intensity over a long period of time.
For example, running a long distance at a moderate pace is an aerobic exercise, but sprinting is not.
Playing singles tennis, with near-continuous motion, is generally considered aerobic activity, while golf or doubles tennis, with their more frequent breaks, may not be.
Is Cardio Exercise is recommended for everyday?
Cardio exercise keeps your heart healthy, helps you manage your weight, enhances your mood, improves immunity, reduces your risk of developing chronic disease, assists you in managing chronic conditions, increases your energy levels and helps you live longer with a higher level of functionality. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular activity five or more times per week can help you enjoy these benefits say most health experts, including the American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may benefit from doing cardio exercise every day, as long as you manage your intensity and duration.
Quick Sweat Cardio Workout to Lose Weight & Burn Belly Fat Fast








Saturday 10 September 2016

How to be satisfied and enjoy your sexual life at older ages?

Sex can be a powerful emotional experience and a great tool for protecting or improving health, and it's certainly not only for the young. Sex over the age of 50 can present challenges, and you may feel discouraged by issues connected with the aging process, but these problems are not insurmountable. With better understanding and an open mind, you can continue to enjoy a physically and emotionally fulfilling sex life—it's not a question of age, but of desire.

Good sex at any age

The need for intimacy is ageless. And studies now confirm that no matter what your gender, you can enjoy sex for as long as you wish. Naturally, sex at 70 or 80 may not be like it is at 20 or 30—but in some ways it can be better. As an older adult, you may feel wiser than you were in your earlier years, and know what works best for you when it comes to your sex life. Older people often have a great deal more self-confidence and self-awareness, and feel released from the unrealistic ideals of youth and prejudices of others. And with children grown and work less demanding, couples are better able to relax and enjoy one another without the old distractions.

For a number of reasons, though, many adults worry about sex in their later years, and end up turning away from sexual encounters. Some older adults feel embarrassed, either by their aging bodies or by their “performance,” while others are affected by illness or loss of a partner. Without accurate information and an open mind, a temporary situation can turn into a permanent one. You can avoid letting this happen by being proactive. Whether you’re seeking to restart or improve your sex life, it’s important to be ready to try new things, and to ask for professional help if necessary. There is much you can do to compensate for the normal changes that come with aging. With proper information and support, your later years can be an exciting time to explore both the emotional and sensual aspects of your sexuality.

1.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Accept and celebrate who you are

Sex in later life may not be the same as it was in your youth—but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, sex can be more enjoyable than ever. As you find yourself embracing your older identity, you can:

  • Reap the benefits of experience. The independence and self-confidence that comes with age can be very attractive to your spouse or potential partners. No matter your gender, you may feel better about your body at 62 or 72 than you did at 22. And it is likely that you now know more about yourself and what makes you excited and happy. Your experience and self-possession can make your sex life exciting for you and your partner.

  • Look ahead. As you age, try to let go of expectations for your sex life. Do your best to avoid dwelling on how things are different. If you enjoyed an active sex life in your younger years, there’s no reason to slow down with age, unless you want to. A positive attitude and open mind can go a long way toward improving your sex life as you age.

  • Love and appreciate your older self. Naturally, your body is going through changes as you age. You look and feel differently than you did when you were younger. But if you can accept these changes as natural and hold your head up high, you’ll not only feel better, you’ll also be more attractive to others. Confidence and honesty garner the respect of others—and can be sexy and appealing.

 

2.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Communicate with your partner

As bodies and feelings change as you grow older, it’s more important than ever to communicate your thoughts, fears, and desires with your partner. Encourage your partner to communicate fully with you, too. Speaking openly about sex may not come easily to you, but improving your communication will help both of you feel closer, and can make sex more pleasurable.

Talking about sex
Broaching the subject of sex can be difficult for some people, but it should get easier once you begin. And as an added bonus, you may find that just talking about sex can make you feel sexy. Try the following strategies as you begin the conversation.

  • Be playful. Being playful can make communication about sex a lot easier. Use humor, gentle teasing, and even tickling to lighten the mood.
  • Be honest. Honesty fosters trust and relaxes both partners—and can be very attractive. Let your partner know how you are feeling and what you hope for in a sex life.
  • Discuss new ideas. If you want to try something new, discuss it with your partner, and be open to his or her ideas, too. The senior years—with more time and fewer distractions—can be a time of creativity and passion.
  • Modernize. You may belong to a generation in which sex was a taboo subject. But talking openly about your needs, desires, and concerns with your partner can make you closer—and help you both enjoy sex and intimacy.



3.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Focus on intimacy and physical touch

A good sex life—at any age—involves a lot more than just sex. It’s also about intimacy and touch, things anyone can benefit from. Even if you have health problems or physical disabilities, you can engage in intimate acts and benefit from closeness with another person. Take the pressure off by putting aside your old ideas of what sex “should be.” Focus instead on the importance of tenderness and contact.

Taking your time

Without pressing workloads or young children to worry about, many older adults have far more time to devote to pleasure and intimacy. Use your time to become more intimate.

  • Stretch your experience. Start with a romantic dinner—or breakfast—before lovemaking. Share romantic or erotic literature and poetry. Having an experience together, sexual or not, is a powerful way of connecting intimately.
  • Don’t be shy. Hold hands and touch your partner often, and encourage him or her to touch you. Tell your partner what you love about him/her, and share your ideas about new sexual experiences you might have together.
  • Relax. Find something that relaxes both partners, whether it’s trying massage or baths together. Relaxation fosters confidence and comfort, and can help both erectile and dryness problems.

 Expanding your definition of sex

Sexuality necessarily takes on a broader definition as we age. Try to open up to the idea that sex can mean many things, and that closeness with a partner can be expressed in many ways.

  • It’s not just about intercourse. Sex can also be about emotional pleasure, sensory pleasure, and relationship pleasure. Intercourse is only one way to have fulfilling sex. Touching, kissing, and other intimate sexual contact can be just as rewarding for both you and your partner.
  • Natural changes. As you age, it's normal for you and your partner to have different sexual abilities and needs. Find new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy. You may have intercourse less often than you used to, but the closeness and love you feel will remain.


4.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Find what works for you

You might not be as comfortable with some sexual positions as you once were, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up an activity that is pleasurable for you—and miss out on feeling close to your partner. Keep in mind that it’s not all about intercourse or recreating the way things were when you were younger. The key to a great sex life is finding out what works for you now. Sex as you age may call for some creativity. Use the following ideas as inspiration, but don’t be afraid to come up with your own.

  • Experiment. Try sexual positions that you both find comfortable and pleasurable, taking changes into account. For men, if erectile dysfunction is an issue, try sex with the woman on top, as hardness is less important. For women, using lubrication can help.
  • Expand what sex means. Holding each other, gentle touching, kissing, and sensual massage are all ways to share passionate feelings. Try oral sex or masturbation as fulfilling substitutes to intercourse.
  • Change your routine. Simple, creative changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day when you have sex to a time when you have more energy. For example, try being intimate in the morning rather than at the end of a long day.
  • Foreplay. Because it might take longer for you or your partner to become aroused, take more time to set the stage for romance, such as a romantic dinner or an evening of dancing. Or try connecting first by extensive touching or kissing.
  • Playfulness. Being playful with your partner is important for a good sex life at any age, but can be especially helpful as you age. Tease or tickle your partner—whatever it takes to have fun. With the issues you may be facing physically or emotionally, play may be the ticket to help you both relax.


5.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Restarting a stalled sex drive

Some older adults give up having a sex life due to emotional or medical challenges. But the vast majority of these issues do not have to be permanent. You can restart a stalled sex drive—and get your sex life back in motion. Remember that maintaining a sex life into your senior years is a matter of good health. Try thinking of sex as something that can keep you in shape, both physically and mentally.

Understanding roadblocks
The path to satisfying sex as you age is not always smooth. Understanding the problems can be an effective first step to finding solutions.

  • Emotional obstacles. Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect your interest in sex and your ability to become aroused. Psychological changes may even interfere with your ability to connect emotionally with your partner. 
  • Body image. As you notice more wrinkles or gray hair, or become aware of love handles or cellulite, you may feel less attractive to your partner. These feelings can make sex less appealing, and can cause you to become less interested in sex.
  • Low self-esteem. Changes at work, retirement, or other major life changes may leave you feeling temporarily uncertain about your sense of purpose. This can undermine your self-esteem and make you feel less attractive to others. 
  • Worry over “performance.” Worrying about how you will perform, or whether you are worthy of sexual attention from your partner, can lead to impotence in men and lack of arousal or orgasm in women. This may be a problem you have never before had to face.


6.0            Jumpstarting your sex drive

Sex drives can be naturally stalled as you face the realities of aging, but it is possible to overcome these bumps in the road.

  • Communicate. Talk to your partner, or to a friend or counselor, about your issues, whether they’re physical or emotional. Explain the anxieties you are feeling, ask for and accept reassurance, and continue the conversation as things come up.
  • Just “do it.” Sex is just as healthy and necessary as exercise and, just like exercise, it may surprise you with pleasure and satisfaction—even if you weren’t “in the mood.” So get back into practice. Once you’re back in the habit, you’ll start to feel better and your sex drive should naturally increase.
  • Increase your activity level. Bumping up your general level of activity will benefit your sex drive by increasing your energy and sense of well-being.
  • Let it go. As much as you can, use your age and experience to be wise and candid with yourself. Let go of your feelings of inadequacy and let yourself enjoy sex as you age.

7.0            Tips for better sex as you age: Know when to seek help


No matter what your age, losing your desire for intimacy and touch altogether isn’t normal. In fact, loss of interest or function may be signs of a medical problem—one that may be best addressed by a doctor. If something is getting in the way of your desire or ability to have a good sex life, don't let embarrassment keep you from asking your doctor for help. Working with a professional, there is much you can do to improve your sex life.

Keep in mind that anything that affects your general health and well-being can also affect your sexual function. Sexual health can be affected by:

  • Medical conditions. Illnesses that involve the cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal problems, depression, or anxiety can affect sex drive and function. You can talk to your doctor about strategies to combat these issues.

  • Medications. Certain medications can inhibit your sexual response, including your desire for sex, your ability to become aroused and your orgasmic function. You can talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication with fewer sexual side effects.