Sexuality and Aging

I am going to start this because I promised but will continue next week. I need to catch up because I am booking for workshops/seminars etc….and didn’t even finish this Guelph Conference yet. That’s what happens when I try to write to you about three days worth. This lecture was provided by Clinical Psychologist, Dr T. Kukkonen, Phd, CPSYCA. She is a sexual researcher. This is from a bio social perspective. Dr Kukkonen reported that there is sparse information on the topic. There are a lot of myths of sexuality. Society thinks of reproductive life and then nothing. One undergrad said sex ends when you have kids. Surprised, but the idea is still prevalent. Dr Kukkonen spoke that sexuality is a wonderful way to enjoy life. Increase sexual satisfaction (not casual) is significant to happiness and health. Age related facts - Sex does not occur in a vacuum. Chronological age is not equal to biologic age. The physical changes. Exercise and eat well to slow down the changes. Physical changes are the thinning of the vaginal wall. Less lubrication; less muscle tension; less intensity of organism; increase of painful intercourse; chronic and acute illnesses. Sedentary individuals have significant increase in risk of myocardial infarction (MI) during sexual activity as compared to a physical active individual. Sexual activity is the cause of less of 1% of all acute MI. Impact Arthritis: decrease in increase; decrease blood flow; decrease endurance; decrease engagement; decrease sense of attractiveness; decrease satisfaction; increase sensitivity to touch. Compensation is adapting to the situation. It might take more time. Sex toys may help. Enhance communication. People who have wonderful sex have wonderful communications. Mental changes. How is that going to effect sexuality? next week will continue ………… Have a wonderful weekend.