Sex and Age: Have Your Best Sex After 50

Is sex just for ‘young people’? Absolutely not. You can have successful and satisfying sex into your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. Read on for our secrets to better sex at any age.

Older couple hugging and smiling in mirror

Sex and aging

Our bodies change as we age, and so do our sex lives. Aging has a big impact on hormones, affecting things like sex drive, erections, natural lubrication, and our ability to climax.

But does this stop people from having great sex as they get older? No way.

Various reports have found that as they age, people report an increased sense of sexual liberation, exploration, and experimentation due to factors including a lack of pressure around pregnancy or emotional commitments, and fewer external responsibilities.

Many people over 50 and beyond also report little to no change in their desire for intimacy and sex or body-positive attitude. While everyone’s own sexual experience is different, it’s a mistake to assume that people in the latter part of their lives aren’t thinking about, or having great sex.

Older couple smiling under duvet together

8 Tips for Having Great Sex at Any Age

1. Rediscover morning sex

Wondering how to improve your sex drive after 50? It’s time to rediscover morning sex.

Morning sex is especially good for people having sex after 50 because a man’s testosterone levels are higher in the morning. Testosterone is responsible for libido, amongst other things, so you can expect a higher sex drive and stronger, longer-lasting sex and erections at this time of day.

2. Exercise

Keeping fit has a whole host of sex benefits. It boosts libido, sexual stamina, flexibility, mood, and physical appearance. Want to know how to improve your sex drive after 50? Make your health and regular exercise a priority.

Don’t forget to do your kegels. Kegels are exercises that strengthen and tighten your pelvic floor - the muscles that contract during orgasm and that we use to hold in urine. Without exercise, these can get weaker with age.

Strengthening these muscles heightens sexual pleasure and makes for more intense orgasms.

Older woman smiling in yoga gear

3. Get comfortable

Comfortable sex is generally the best. Regardless of age, awkward positions or overly acrobatic sex is not conducive to intimacy and pleasure. Especially not if you have any ongoing pain.

The secret to better sex at any age? Take time to figure out positions that work for you and discover the magic of sex aids like foam position pillows (or regular pillows) that easily position the body.

4. Try different kinds of sex

Sex doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be all about penetration, at any age.

How to improve sex drive after 50? In the latter half of life when problems with erections and vaginal wetness can be more frequent, non-penetrative forms of sex are a useful way to take the pressure off penetration, allow time for relaxation and arousal, and generally explore better and more varied sex and connection.

Non-penetrative sex can be many things: kissing, massage, oral sex, anal play, fingering, mutual masturbation, BDSM, 69ing, using sex toys…

Anal plugs and bunny mask on pink background

5. Be aware of your medications

How to improve your sex drive after 50 or over? If you’re experiencing problems in an aspect of your sex life or desire, take a closer look at any medications you’re taking.

Some have side effects that might surprise you, or bring your sex life to a grinding halt. Talk to your doctor about solutions if necessary.

6. Lube up!

Lube is a great addition to sex at any age, but especially sex after 50. Despite it sometimes getting a bad rep, using lube doesn’t mean something has to be ‘wrong.’ In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Every sex expert knows that lube is a considerable satisfaction enhancer.

Nonetheless, if vaginal wetness is on your mind then lube is your best friend and a way to ensure pain-free, pleasure-full sex.

Hand holding banana in condom

7. Stay safe

STDs aren’t just a ‘young person’s problem.’ While sex at older ages can save you from pregnancy worry, you’re still vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.

If you’re sleeping with more than one person, use a condom or ensure everyone has been tested beforehand.

8. Keep communicating

Whether you’re with a long-term or newer sexual partner, talking about sexual issues and desires lets you troubleshoot problems together and figure out a kind of sex that leaves everyone smiling.

Want to know the secret to better sex at any age? Don’t be shy. Sex is often funny and awkward, and this kind of openness creates greater intimacy, ultimately leading to better sex.

Those are our essential tips to have your best sex after 50 and secrets to better sex at any age. It’s time we opened our eyes, smashed down stereotypes around sex and aging, and celebrated safe and satisfying sex at any time of life.