Sex is a vital part of human longevity as it can enhance physical, mental and emotional health. It’s important in the regulation of various health indicators such as blood pressure, immunity, improved sleep, heart health, muscle strength and reduced risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease.
That’s just to name a few benefits without mentioning its ability to relieve stress and boost brain health and self-esteem. All of the things mentioned are areas of study, but if one thing is certain, it’s that seeing a clearer picture of human beings’ overall health requires a closer look at their sex life.
To help ensure you’re staying active and doing the things necessary to maintain a healthy sex life, we’ve compiled some useful tips that will help you keep the spark in your relationship.
Communication
Intimacy is based on a lot more than just the physical act of sex. It all starts with communication and an openness in discussing major issues within a relationship between partners. It’s also vital in overcoming trust issues, unresolved conflicts and lacking a sense of connection with each other.
Additionally, as we age, our feelings toward sex may change due to inner conflict such as a poor self-esteem or a nagging health issue. If you and your partner can’t work it out between the two of you, a sexual therapist can be helpful in overcoming your issues and recapturing your sex drive.
Exercise
Staying fit is important not just for your health, but as you age, it helps you continue to do the things that help you stay fit. Exercise, in this sense, begets exercise. On the other hand, not staying fit makes having sex more difficult, whether it’s from a lack of stamina, poor self-image or risk of injury, sex is more difficult the more out of shape you get.
In addition to helping you keep your body in shape, exercise is a big improver of moods. Physical activity boosts the release of serotonin and thus creates positive feelings which are conducive to sexual desire. Few people feel aroused when they’re down and out.
As you might suspect, sex can in fact be a form of exercise and is therefore good for both the heart and the brain. For men, a healthy sex life is linked to decreased risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. For older women, sex can help reduce incontinence and help build stronger pelvic muscles.
Keep It Spicy
It can be done in any number of ways, but adding a bit of flare to your sex life can have a tremendous boost to your sense of desire. Some ways to do this include:
- New positions
- Have sex in new places
- Shower together
- Massage each other
- Role play
Whatever you choose be sure to revisit the communication aspect to set boundaries with your partner and to clearly understand what turns each other on.
Lubrication
As females age, natural lubrication for sexual intercourse commonly decreases, therefore requiring a bit of assistance in the form of water-based lubrication. Having sex without sufficient lubrication can cause severe discomfort and damage to the vagina. Lubricants, while used primarily for intercourse, are a moisturizer for the vagina and can serve a similar purpose to moisturizer for skin.
Take Your Time
Your sex life is nothing to be anxious, tense or in a rush about. Try to enjoy the act and all its build up as much as you can. This may mean taking a relaxing bath before you start or maybe just allowing more time for arousal through foreplay. Accept that the act may have to be different than what you’re used to and more intentional as opposed to the sporadic sex you may have enjoyed in the early years of your relationship.
Additionally, you may have ailments such as back or hip pain that requires special positioning. It’s best to take your time, relax and find the best position that ensures a good experience for both you and your partner.