september, 2019 | The Health
Senior
Sexual intimacy
can help your
partner feel
wanted and
appreciated,
strengthening the
bond as husband
and wife.
Reigniting
the flame
When you lose interest for sexual intimacy in a healthy relationship
O
ur body goes through some
changes as we grow, and as we
age, we realise that our men-
tality and attitude toward
things may change as well.
Our energy level depletes,
our appetite might have grown, and most
of all; our desire for sexual intimacy may
be distinguished. What leads to the loss of
romance and intimacy in the bedroom?
Returning with her medical expertise, Dr
Nor Ashikin Mokhtar of PrimaNora Medical
Centre says the loss of libido (sexual desire)
in senior citizens – those above 60 years old
– comes from several physical and psycho-
logical as well as environmental factors. The
loss should not be mourned by the elderly
as it can be restored through treatment and
habitual changes.
It can return
“When we talk about loss of libido, we have
to look at the sexual response,” says Dr Nora.
“If we talk about women even before meno-
pause, studies show that one in five women
in Malaysia has some form of female sexual
dysfunction in their life,” she continues.
According to her, the strong reason they
loss of their libido can come from the lack of
desire, lack of arousal, painful sex, or anxiety.
The common denominator would be hor-
mones, and with age comes chronic diseases
such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis
– when this happens, sexual performance
would be difficult. If they have ovarian cancer,
Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Certain drugs like
anti-depressant will lower the libido of men
and women.
Then stress, financial stress is one of the
issues, whether stress in the workplace, the
environment or at home. These factors can
cause the interference of wanting to engage
in sexual activities. In addition, there is a
stigma when the senior citizens are holding
hands, they don’t want to be seen as ‘horny
old people.’ Therefore, they avoid and sup-
press their sexual needs. It’s commonly
accepted that old people wouldn’t have the
wants for sex.
Hormonal changes
We cannot reverse ageing, but it can be halted.
The hormonal upheaval coupled with physical
changes leads to the loss of libido. According
If we talk about
women even before
menopause, studies
show that 1 in 5 women
in Malaysia has some
form of female sexual
dysfunction in their
life.”
Dr Nora believes
that intimacy is an
important aspect in
maintaining a healthy
relationship.
Some medications can
lead to the suppression
of hormones.
21
to Dr Nora, “Ageing is one of the main fac-
tors when it comes to the loss of libido. This
has a lot to do with the production of our
hormones. The problem is prevalent among
ladies – especially those who had a hysterec-
tomy.” As we grow older, our body produces
less testosterone leading to the lack of desire.
Testosterone is a hormone that is more
present in men. It controls a lot in men, from
the reproductive system to sexuality to how
much body hair they have. However, it also
exist, albeit in a smaller amount, in women.
“It could be worse for women who are on
oral contraceptives. It prevents the produc-
tion of testosterone, which makes it difficult
for the ladies to have the desire for intimacy,”
says Dr Nora.
As women go through menopause, the
body will reduce its oestrogen level causing
dryness and irritation in their vaginal region
which then leads to inflammation and painful
experience.
“It’s no fun when it hurts, that’s why
women with hormonal imbalance exhibit less
interest in engaging in sexual intercourse as
they grow older,” Dr Nora explains.
Progesterone is also known as the hor-
mone of calmness. It goes well beyond the
reproduction aspect of the body. It helps
regulate skin, mood, sleep and thyroid
functions which can cause women to feel
insecure – which will also contribute to the
loss of libido.
“Thyroid is known as the conductor of hor-
mones. Just like in an orchestra, a disrupted
thyroid causes chaos in hormone production
which can cause fatigue, dryness and weight
gain. This leads to some psychological factors
to interrupt the desire for intimacy,” she says.
Sexual intimacies:
good for the body and soul
Research shows that people who practice
regular intercourse have a longer life span
and in addition, are at lower risk of develop-
ing cardiovascular diseases and an improved
immune system.
“When you ‘do it’, you burn calories in some
ways and at the same time, it helps regulate
your blood flow,” she claims.
“Besides that, it makes your partner feels
wanted and appreciated – help to strengthen
the bond that you have with them.
“It’s not uncommon for the people at the age
of 60 and above to experience the loss of their
libido and they should not be embarrassed.
There are treatments to it and the issue
should not be swept under the rug.
The key to prevent the loss of libido is to
understand the cause and overcome it.
“If the cause is stress related, go back to
what causes the stress. There are some
relaxation techniques, exercise and treat-
ments available to help reignite the spark of
romance that you once had.”
Exercise according to what you’re capable
of can resolve the issue of weight gain and to
help you keep your vitality.
“Not just that, supplements are available
to help with the hormonal imbalance and
nutrient deficiencies, and you can opt for
good quality food that emphasises on energy
production and cellular repairs,” says Dr Nora.
“Amino acids supplements can help to
optimise hormones like thyroxine and
melatonin. Other natural supplements like
omega-3 fish oil can reduce inflammation,
prevent arthritis, erectile dysfunction and
poor orgasm.
However, because of the lowered immune
system that comes with age, older people are
more at risk to contract Sexually-Transmitted
Diseases (STDs). The condom is not just to
prevent pregnancy, as research has shown;
there are several STDs that can be prevented
by having a cap on during sex.
“STDs are more prevalent in the senior
citizen in the European countries where they
do not practice conservative sex as we do.
One of major reason is that they do not get
screened as often as the younger generations
do,” she says. — The Health