Passing The Age Of 50 Years, Sexual Passion Is Decreasing, What Causes It?

Illustration of an elderly couple (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - As people get older, many people start to focus on physical health, such as managing blood pressure, cholesterol, joints, or blood sugar. But there is one important aspect that is often overlooked, namely sexual health. This topic is often avoided, even though the need for intimacy persists with age.

"Interestingly, most people over 50 have agreed that intimacy and pleasure in bed remain important throughout life," said Total Cameron, former Director of the NCOA Center for Health Aging (National Council on Aging), quoted from the National Council on Aging website.

"However, we are clearly reluctant to talk about it, especially when there is a problem," he continued.

In fact, a survey from the University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging showed 76% of respondents agree that sex is an important part of romantic relationships, regardless of age. But only 17% have discussed sexual health topics with their medical personnel in the last two years.

According to Cameron, one of the main reasons people in their old age are reluctant to talk about sekak, is because sexual health is still considered taboo. Even just discussing it can cause anxiety. In fact, the more this topic is avoided, the greater the chance of misunderstandings and social stigma.

This can have a direct impact on health. Some medical conditions such as sexual dysfunction can be an early sign of more serious health problems. If we are embarrassed to talk about it, doctors may miss an important diagnosis.

In addition, the lack of open communication with your partner can increase the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (PMS), such as pneumonia genitals, hepatitis B, sifilis, or gonore.

Therefore, maintaining a healthy intimate relationship after the age of 50 means bringing this topic out of the shadow and starting to talk about it openly.

According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), sexual health is the ability to accept and enjoy sexuality throughout life.

This means that we can enjoy sexual satisfaction, access education and resources about sexual health, and communicate openly about sex with our partners. If this is disrupted, then our overall welfare will also be affected.

Many ask, at what age do men lose their sexual arousal? When do women stop being sexually active?

According to Cameron, there is no definite age when sexuality ends. We are sexual beings from birth, and age 50 is not a turning point. In fact, healthy sex is essential as we age, as it can increase emotional intimacy and reduce stress through the release of the endorphin hormone.

Physically, regular sexual intercourse can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. On the other hand, a healthy body also supports good sexual functions. For example, exercise increases blood flow to the sexual organs and helps stamina and passion.

As we age, our bodies change, and this affects sexual health. In women, major changes occur before, during, and after menopause. Common symptoms include reduced libido, weight gain, hot flashes (Sudden heat), hair loss, and mood change. A vagina can also lose natural lubricant, making sex feel sick or uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, in men, erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly common. The erectile process can be slower or not as strong as it used to be. Problems in prostate, including prostate cancer, can also affect sexual health due to side effects of treatment.

Lifestyle factors and other medical conditions, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and incontinence (difficult to hold back urination) also affect.

Some drugs, such as statin (for cholesterol) and beta-blocker (for blood pressure), can lower enthusiasm or cause difficulties in sexual response.