Sexuality in Old Age

The psychosomatic dimorphism of the two sexes means that essential parts of human sexuality such as libido, desire for intercourse and children, tenderness, and orgasmic potency differ throughout a person’s life span as well as in special phases. Additionally must be considered that sexual behavior and standards have fundamentally changed during the past 25 years. The so-called sex revolution was carried on by the younger generation, and thus widened the gap between young and old. In Balzac’s time a 30-year-old woman was regarded as sexually “out.” Never before were women of 40 so attractive as today, not to mention sexy. The woman of 50, who is hormonally well stabilized, is not affected by menopausal depression but finds herself at the summit of experience and success. At 60 she may set off on her second honeymoon and at 70 she may possibly be interested in the marriage adverts. Women are more vital and live longer, but at the price of loneliness in their later days.