How to Keep Being a Sexy Senior

Posted by Maryan Pelland Nov 8, 2006

A quick blog today to put you onto some really good information from a writer whose material I used in developing my Sex and the Seniors article. Thanks to Chris and the Democrat and Chronicle

National Institute on Aging offers "Age Page: Sexuality in Later Life" (type sexuality in the search box), or write to NIA Information Center, P.O. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057 or call (800) 222-2225.

National Council on the Aging has "Sex After 60" survey results and more (type sex in the search box at the top), or write 409 3rd St., SW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20024.

Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States has information for all ages, including a fact sheet about "Sexuality in Middle and Later Life," (click on publications), write 130 West 42nd St., Suite 350, New York, NY 10036-7802 or call (212) 819-9770.

HelpGuide, a project of Center for Healthy Aging and The Rotary Club of Santa Monica, offers www.helpguide.org/elder/sexuality_aging.htm

The Women's Sexual Health Foundation, a nonprofit group, offers information about sexual health issues. E-mail info@twshf.org.

American Urological Association has information on impotence and other issues. (866) 746-4282.

American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists lists professionals. Write AASECT, P.O. Box 1960, Ashland, Va. 23005-1960 or call (804) 752-0026.

Ourselves, Growing Older: Women Aging with Power and Knowledge, by Paula B. Doress-Worters and Diana Laskin Siegal (Touchstone, $20) is a 560-page book last revised in 1994 but with good information on sexuality and aging.

Building Blocks

Evelyn Resh, registered nurse and certified sex counselor, offers these tips to improve sexual health and satisfaction.

Be well-informed about your body.

Communicate with your partner. Don't assume he or she knows what you're thinking or feeling. You could start by saying, "Our sexual life is really important to us and I want to talk about it more."

If you need help, consider using books or turn to a professional skilled at working with couples about sexual health.

Parents can help their children develop into sexually healthy adults by talking openly and regularly about body anatomy and function, and their family's values. Don't expect to have one big talk and be done.

Chris Swingle's resources were reprinted with permission from the Democrat and Chronicle.