Episode

The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
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50:04
Published: Sun Jan 30 2022
Description

Today, Maggie Jones explores the overlooked topic of geriatric sex. Profiling older couples for whom it is still important, she considers the obstacles and joys of having sex over the age of 70, and the way society has begun to talk more openly about it in recent years.As bodies change, Jones writes, good sex in old age often requires reimagining and expanding: a conscious inclusion of more touching, kissing, erotic massage, oral sex and sex toys. Along with pleasure, other benefits are linked to sex: a stronger immune system, improved cognitive function, cardiovascular health in women and lower odds of prostate cancer, along with improved sleep, stress reduction and a cultivation of emotional intimacy.The subset of older people who are having lots of sex well into their 80s could help shape those conversations and policies, while doctors can also do their part by attending to individuals’ physiological impediments to sex. Many sex experts expect more open conversations and policies related to their senior sex lives in the years to come.This story was written by Maggie Jones and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.

Chapters
Learn how older adults in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are still having great sex and the lessons that can be applied to everyone's relationships.
00:00 - 02:29 (02:29)
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Relationships
Summary

Learn how older adults in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are still having great sex and the lessons that can be applied to everyone's relationships.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
David had a third affair as Anne was unable to provide him with the attention and affection he desired, leading to sex becoming infrequent, falling to a couple of times a month which was far too infrequent for David.
02:29 - 10:28 (07:58)
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Sex, Infidelity
Summary

David had a third affair as Anne was unable to provide him with the attention and affection he desired, leading to sex becoming infrequent, falling to a couple of times a month which was far too infrequent for David.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
While bodies change with age, good sex often needs to be reimagined and expanded.
10:28 - 21:53 (11:25)
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Sex & Aging
Summary

While bodies change with age, good sex often needs to be reimagined and expanded. Based on research, sex experts recommend including more touching, kissing, massage, oral sex, and sex toys, and expect older generations to demand more open conversations and policies around their sex lives.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
Joan Price's book Naked at Our Age delves into research on sex and aging, providing resources like videos and sex products for seniors.
21:53 - 32:20 (10:26)
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Senior Sex
Summary

Joan Price's book Naked at Our Age delves into research on sex and aging, providing resources like videos and sex products for seniors. However, she also touches on the struggle of one person initiating sex 95% of the time and the other person feeling guilty for saying no.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
Older couples, regardless of sexual orientation, can experience improved sex lives for at least 6 months after seeking help to overcome sexual anxieties and enhance communication and intimacy.
32:21 - 39:34 (07:12)
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Sexual Health
Summary

Older couples, regardless of sexual orientation, can experience improved sex lives for at least 6 months after seeking help to overcome sexual anxieties and enhance communication and intimacy. It is never too late to invest in sexual health.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
Hebrew Home, a nonprofit nursing home that upholds residents' sexual expression, allows intimacy for all residents, including those with dementia, while also protecting people from unwanted touch.
39:33 - 45:29 (05:55)
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Nursing Homes
Summary

Hebrew Home, a nonprofit nursing home that upholds residents' sexual expression, allows intimacy for all residents, including those with dementia, while also protecting people from unwanted touch.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily
Roslyn's own experience attending a sexuality retreat and using a vibrator in her 90s highlights the importance of discussing and utilizing these tools for older women, who often lack intimate partners.
45:30 - 49:42 (04:12)
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Aging and Sexuality
Summary

Roslyn's own experience attending a sexuality retreat and using a vibrator in her 90s highlights the importance of discussing and utilizing these tools for older women, who often lack intimate partners. Though a vibrator does not replace a relationship with a partner, for Roslyn it helps her feel alive at age 95.

Episode
The Sunday Read: ‘The Joys (and Challenges) of Sex After 70’
Podcast
The Daily