Senior dating: Resuming sexual activity later in life

Yes, you can resume sexual activity, but it may take a little time and patience.

As women age, they experience several changes in their vaginal area. The vagina and vaginal opening often become smaller, especially when estrogen levels are low. It often takes longer for the vagina to swell and lubricate when you're sexually aroused. Together these can make intercourse painful. But there are steps you can take to alleviate the effects of these changes.

Longer foreplay helps stimulate natural lubrication. Often, the use of lubrication can be helpful. Several products such as K-Y jelly and Glide are available for this purpose. For some women, vaginal treatment with estrogen is the best way to increase natural lubrication.

If a woman hasn't had intercourse for a while, it will take time to stretch out the vagina so that it can accommodate a penis. Talk to your partner about what works best. Keep in mind, sex is more than intercourse. Touching and cuddling are an important part of sexual activity. Communication between partners is the best way to achieve sexual satisfaction.