Just like women, men go through their own “menopause” of sorts, with his testosterone levels dropping to half the level they were in his late teens/early 20s by the time he’s 70. With his testosterone influencing almost every bodily process, lower amounts of this hormone in his system can greatly impact his health, mood, and emotions.

Increased fatigue, irritability, depression, memory loss, hair loss, sleep disturbances, and loss of bone and muscle mass are just some of the changes that can impact his well being.

Support for Sex
Not surprisingly, a man's sexual functioning and desire can be impacted with these changes as well. Men in their senior years may feel less motivated and confident when it comes to sexual pursuits. Unlike females, they will most likely not come out of their transition into the senior years feeling liberated, but defeated, and are in need of a great deal of support in reclaiming their sexual self-esteem.

Erectile Dysfunction
Complicating matters even more is his risk of erectile dysfunction. Whether due to psychological, physiological, interpersonal, social, sexual, or relational issues, a man’s inability to “get it up” can further greatly impact his willingness to be sexually intimate.

Men need to be wary about becoming withdrawn and depressed over changes in their sexual self-image, body image, and sexual functioning, as prolonged abstinence can only make the situation worse. Together with the support of his doctor and partner, a man can stay sexually intimate and learn various ways to counter the sexual “side effects” of simply aging.

Improving Senior Sex
Practicing preventive techniques, like avoiding drugs (including nicotine and large amounts of alcohol), staying fit, and maintaining a nutritious diet, can further put him in the driver’s seat when it comes to his sexual functioning and pleasuring.

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