Too Old for Sex? Think Again! on Yahoo! Health

Do you think you can ever be "too old" for sex?

A recent survey has discovered that older people are actually spending plenty of time in the bedroom. University of Chicago researchers found that more than 50% of people ages 65 to 74 are still sexually active, while 25% of people ages 75 to 85 are still feeling the love! (In terms of this survey, sexual activity includes any type of sexual contact.)

What can we make of this survey? Well, for one thing, it proves yet again how important sex is in our lives. No matter what our age, background, or culture, all human beings are built to crave sex. A satisfying life inside the bedroom can help lead to a satisfying life outside the bedroom, which explains why many older folks aren't ready to throw in the towel just yet!

However, getting older may mean some new sexual problems for both men and women. In the survey, 38% of men cited impotence as the number one issue in their sex lives, while 43% of women cited lack of interest and difficulty with lubrication as their top issues.

While these particular sexual problems are treatable, increased age may prevent individuals from seeking medical help or advice. Older men and women both admitted that they feel uncomfortable discussing sex with their doctors. As Dr. John Bancroft of Indiana University's Kinsey Institute puts it, "Until recently, older adults tended to keep quiet about their sexuality because younger people assumed they were not and should not be sexually active."

Fortunately, this age-ist perspective toward sex has begun to change in recent years. People are beginning to realize that advanced age does not necessarily mean the end of sexual desire or sexual needs. Older patients should feel comfortable addressing their sexual difficulties with their doctors, since there are many great treatments which can assist them on their sexual journeys.

After all, great sex is something people never outgrow!