Why Is Sexual Passion Declining With Age? Here Are 6 Reasons

Illustration of sex arousal decreases (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Sexual enthusiasm or libido can change throughout life, and decreased passion is common when age increases. Even so, everyone's libido levels are different, and not everyone is annoyed by these changes.

"The decline in libido is more common with age, but everyone is different," said Dr. Kevin Wolf, a certified osteopatic family doctor, quoted from the Live Strong page.

"Not only in terms of the factors causing it, but also in assessing whether the decline is a problem. There is no definite answer about how often a person should have sex, regardless of age or gender," he added.

If sexual arousal decreases but does not have a negative impact on the quality of life or relationships, then that is not something to worry about. However, if this is a problem, there are various causes that should be understood.

Here are 6 reasons behind the decline in sexual arousal as you get older.

1. Hormone Changes

One of the main causes of decreased sexual arousal is hormonal changes, such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormones play an important role in shaping the desire to have sex.

"The decrease in levels of the sex hormone, especially testosterone and estrogen, is the main cause of the decline in libido," explained Dr. Wolf.

"Although it is often considered typical of one sex, this hormone actually exists in everyone with different levels," he added.

2. Health Problems Related to Age

As you get older, the risk of contracting certain diseases increases. Some health conditions can affect a person's ability and desire to have sex.

"A more common disease in the elderly and can reduce enthusiasm include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea," said Dr. Wolf.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), other conditions such as pulsation, chronic pain, and incontinence (disruption of bladder control) can also make sexual intercourse less comfortable or even painful.

"Health problems can also limit mobility and flexibility. If sex hurts or is uncomfortable, then passion will also decrease," said Dr. Sarah Melancon, a sociologist and clinical sexologist.

3. Certain drugs

Older people tend to take more drugs, and some of them can have a negative impact on sexual arousal.

"Many medicines can have a negative impact on libido," said Melancon.

According to NIA, medicines that can reduce libido include blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, stomach medicines, sedatives, parkinson drugs and cancer.

4. Physical Change Problems

Physical changes that occur due to aging can affect the way a person sees himself. Unconfidence in the body can reduce sexual desire.

"We live in a culture that glorifies young people. Older people can feel uninteresting, and when we feel not sexy, the desire to have sex can decrease," added Melancon.

A study in the European Journal of Ageing in 2019 showed dissatisfaction with appearances related to reduced sexual satisfaction with parents.

5. Mental Health Disorder

Mental health is very influential on libido. Depression can cause fatigue, despair, and low self-esteem, all of which can reduce sexual arousal.

According to Cleveland Clinic, in people with depression, chemicals in the brain that regulate sexual urges become unbalanced. Depression is just one of many mental disorders that is common in the elderly.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about 20% of people aged 55 years and over experience mental health problems such as anxiety, mood disorders, or cognitive decline.

"Difficult life experiences can also affect mental conditions at an old age. Feelings about aging, loss of those closest to you, or concerns about personal health and death can have a major impact emotionally," said Melancon.

6. Relationship problems

Long-term strained relationships can also reduce sexual arousal. Many elderly couples who stay together but lose emotional closeness.

"It is common for an old couple to be in an emotional relationship that is far away. If this is not discussed and overcome, the distance will be wider, and interest in sex will decrease." said Melancon.

In addition, grief due to the loss of a partner, difficulty establishing a new relationship in the elderly, and differences in sexual desires between partners can also be obstacles.