“We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh.”
– Agnes Repplier
In this country we tend to be extremely ageist especially when it comes to love and intimacy. Love and intimacy becomes a taboo topic. This shouldn’t be the case however as we are sexual beings from birth to death (this includes old age). I hope this page highlights the normalcy of intimacy though out the lifespan, especially old age. Sometimes intimacy may be more difficult in old age, however there are plenty supports for individuals to maintain a healthy sex life well into their senior years.
This page includes a video called “Still Doing It, the Intimate Lives of Women over 65.” The video underscores the importance and normalcy of intimacy in old age. The journal article included talks about the importance of understanding the benefits of intimacy and safe sex for aging adults. I selected the picture and the quote because I feel they encompass love and intimacy.
Journal Article:
“Society has perpetuated the notion that, “We think our parents are too old to; we think we our kids are too young to; our kids think we are too old to; so who in the heck is supposed to?” This article explores ageist attitudes about aging and intimacy, and how we can help change these expectations and attitudes.
Langer, N. (2009). Late life love and intimacy. Educational Gentrology, 35(8), 752-764.
Additional Information:
The following link is a tip site for intimacy and sexuality in aging. This site includes tips for communication, benefits of sex, and tips for safe sex.
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/sexuality_aging.htm
The following link is a Psychology Today article about finding dates and mates “when you are no longer young.” The article includes advice for online dating as well as meeting people in social settings.
Personal and Social Issues of Aging 