When I told my mother-in-law that I was writing my dissertation about aging and sexual expression, she deadpanned “Well, at least it will be short.” Many cultural messages imply that our sex life will inevitably worsen as we age. However, one of my heroes on the topic of aging and sexuality, Joan Price, has dedicated her writing for the past decade to dispelling the myth of inevitable sexual decline and offering concrete ways to improve one’s sexual experience as one ages.
Price’s own romantic experience sparked her interest in sex and aging. “I was a health and fitness writer — and before that, a high school English teacher. My world changed when, at age 57, I met the man who would become the love of my life. He was then 64. Our relationship was so dynamic and extraordinary sexually as well as every other way that I changed careers and started writing about older-age sexuality at age 61.”
That relationship inspired a range of works, including her 2014 book, The Ultimate Guide to Sex After 50: How to Maintain or Regain a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life, and her informative blog on the topic. In the book, Price provides a wide-ranging consideration of age-and-sexuality issues from a sex-positive perspective. This means in addition to addressing solutions to sexual problems, she explores sexual flourishing and considers many approaches to sexual expression, including dating later in life, how to spice up sex, and information on a range of sexual choices and lifestyles for both single and partnered older adults. In her award-winning blog, Price curates news, information, and reviews of sex toys and videos of interest to older adults. Readers can access it at: http://betterthanieverexpected.blogspot.com/.
When I asked Price about the most important thing she has learned in her work, she replied, “Yes, things change, our bodies change, our relationships change, our responses change. But for every problem, there is a solution with the right information, creativity, and a sense of adventure. A sense of humor helps, too.”
Readers may submit questions related to age and intimacy to Ms. Morrissey Stahl at: AsktheBoomTherapist@gmail.com. By sending a question, you are consenting to BoomAthens printing it although identifying information will be withheld if it is published. Having your questions answered can be useful but it does not take the place of getting personalized, professional advice.
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