At What Age Do People Stop Having Sex? [Q&A]

This question came from a 44 year old male radio listener:

Dear Maureen,

Love your CKNW Sunday Night Sex Show. It is informative, engaging and really funny (especially some of those callers). At 44 years of age, I am not sexually active at the moment because I do not have a woman in my life. I am a bit worried because I really enjoy sex and am concerned that I might miss the boat because I cannot imagine people having sex past age 65. What if I never meet anyone? I will have had the shortest sex life ever! So my question is, “when do people stop having sex?”

Keep up the great work! Sincerely stuck in sexless land,

Ryan

Thank you so much for the great question, Ryan! Many people are curious whether or not so-called “old people” have sex. Let me put it to you this way: A 22 year old male patient of mine said to me, “So Maureen, when does sex end? 35?” You would have been done by now, Ryan, if it were up to that patient! We all have a different definition of what “older” means and what that means for someone’s sex life.

A person can enjoy a healthy sex life well into the 80’s and beyond as long as their health is good. There is no magic time when “being turned on gets turned off.” The healthier a person is, the better their sex life. That is why it is important to:

• Eat a healthy low sugar, low carb, high protein, plant-based diet;
• Exercise daily;
• Quit smoking;
• Keep alcohol to a minimum;
• Manage the stress of life with healthy strategies;
• Get help immediately for any health conditions that may arise.

There are a number of conditions that occur as we age that may impact one’s sex life such as:

• Low sexual desire
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness/vaginal atrophy

Conditions such as the ones listed above can make us feel less than desirable and desire less sex. There is no shame in any of these conditions; speak to your health care provider about any sexual health issues you may have as you age and remember that your genes may play a role in your health but YOU play the starring role! Also, many people are meeting online today but if that seems too daunting, you may engage the services of a Matchmaking Professional as they are once again making their debut in the dating world! Best of luck to you and your efforts to get back to the bedroom and thank you for listening!