Nothing unusual, you might think — but what if I tell you Shirley is 74? This is an age better suited to slippers than sex — or so society would have us believe. Her lust for life and high hopes for love is infectious and reflects a surprisingly common mindset among older women who discover they have a renewed interest in sexual intimacy later in life. But I have been particularly struck by the number of single seventysomethings who are in search of a loving and intimate relationship. So is it any wonder that now they are reaching their 70s, sex is still important, however much that might make the younger generations squirm? Dame Helen Mirren, 72, famously admitted to only finding true sexual fulfilment later in life. Pictured, Shirley Livingstone, 74, has tried dating through agencies but hasn't found anything serious. The increase in late-life divorce, and the surge of sixty and seventysomethings seeking new partners, shows that although desire may diminish during an old, familiar relationship, it can be rekindled with someone new — no matter your age.
Allow a question about relationships and femininity for seniors? Every month in Femininity at Our Age, award-winning senior sexpert Joan Price answers your questions a propos everything from loss of desire en route for solo sex and partner issues. Naught is out of bounds! I benefit from my vibrator, but I miss the feeling of skin on skin after that the embrace of another body. I want to feel exciting and agitated. Sometimes I wish I could a minute ago have a man in bed designed for an afternoon when I want him, then have him go away. Is that sexist, treating a grown be in charge of like a boy toy?
Below par someone is tough. Most of us will do somersaults to avoid the uncomfortable interaction of telling someone the opposite of what they want en route for hear, particularly when it involves adore feelings. The best way to accost this topic is early on. Anything the situation, focusing on feelings after that needs will help prevent it as of escalating into an argument.