People do not openly raise their concerns about reproductive and sexual health. Families do not educate the children about the same in India and refrain to talk about sexual health. A healthy sexual life is a must for a healthy relationship irrespective of your age. Aged and elderly people also have a sexual life. They generally live in a dilemma about not having a sexual life due to their age-related problems. Discussing your sexual life at an old age is very important. At Medcircle, we are presenting the Ask The Expert Series on sexual reproductive health. The series is titled Bindas Bol with Dr. Kumar Kamble. 

Dr.Kumar Kamble is an Expert Psychiatrist, De-addiction Specialist, Sexologist, Speaker, Mental and Sexual Health Educator. He is also associated with the Umang Clinic. He has worked with King Edward Memorial Hospital as a Medical Office Coordinator. His main interest lies in advocating correct information on sexual health and spreading awareness about the sexual health. 

Episode 4 with Dr. Kumar Kamble revolves around the changes which happen in sexual life with old age. He informs that it is important to modify your feelings for your partner for powerful bonding and companionship. He specifies the importance of privacy for elderly people. He addresses the questions of the audience about their sexual life with invaluable inputs. 

Sexual intercourse in old age 

Dr. Kumar Kamble states, “Sleep, hunger, thirst, and sex are the natural desires of the body since birth. Sex is one of the important desires present till death. There is no expiry to sex and love. Age is not a barrier to sexual desire. Sex is possible in old age. For instance, let's take a case of hunger, we feed ourselves with food all our life. But we never think to stop or suppress our hunger and thirst. It is very important to drink water when thirsty and eat food when hungry. Similarly, sex is also one of the important desires in old age. Continuation of sex all your life till old age is considered normal.”

Old age-related sexual Changes

Dr. Kamble emphasizes, “As age advances, sexual health also changes. Changes in sexual health are normal and should not be considered abnormal or a problem. 

Here are some important age-related sexual health changes:

There should be awareness about age-related sexual health changes. They should not be considered as problems.”

Healthy sexual life in old age 

Dr.Kamble talks about some facts about sexual health and points out, 

“When a healthy sexual life is practiced at a young age, the same is found to be continued among the couples throughout their life. Take care of your physical health with proper diet, water intake, sound sleep, and exercise for the overall development of healthy life.  Maintenance of physical health helps in the proper maintenance of mental health. Physical and mental health is interrelated Social adjustment: Privacy should be given to elderly couples.  Spending time with your partner  Treatment and control of chronic diseases like blood pressure and sugar 

Live up to the passion 

Dr.Kumar, “In young couples, the frequency and duration of sex are prolonged leading to increased sexual desire. With age, our responsibilities also increase leaving no time to pay attention to health. The passion also reduces with age. Companionship is important for a healthy sexual life. Accept the changes in sexual life with age. Focusing on companionship is important. Accepting your partner at old age gracefully is one of the features of companionship. Support your partner emotionally. Sexual gratification is important during old age.”

A positive approach at old age is important for a powerful bonding 

Dr.Kamble informs, “Generally, In females, it is observed that due to menopause and hormonal changes with age, they may have lack of sexual desire. General awareness should be created about the changes that happen during old age in sexual health. Once you are aware of these changes, your perception and approach towards your partner also change. Work on modifying your feelings towards your partner will help in creating reassurance in the relationship. This also helps in powerful bonding. An old age couple should be given respect for their privacy. They deserve the “ME” time. Satisfaction during old age is a must.” says Dr.Kamble.

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)