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Sex is a conversation carried out by other means.

PETER USTINOV

Sexuality

Even when young and fit, the concerns of body image are often present in relation to sexual intimacy. Aging can increase these feelings of self-consciousness and doubt about attractiveness or desirability, inhibiting the full enjoyment of a sexual life. Aging can also change the quality or focus of the sex drive.

In the presence of good emotional bonding and intimacy, poor body image is less likely. Feeling attractive for who you are, not how you look, is important at any age, but can become a more obvious concern as the body changes later in life. Self understanding and sexual self-acceptance combined with good communication can promise continued sexual development and growth throughout the lifespan.

A recent AARP survey on modern sexuality showed that most couples found their partners increasingly romantically and physically a ttractive as they aged. The main interference to increased attraction was poor quality of non sexual intimacy or a weak emotional connection. In the presence of good emotional bonding and intimacy, poor body image is less likely. Feeling attractive for who you are, not how you look, is important at any age, but can become a more obvious concern as the body changes later in life.

A negative self-image isn’t always rooted in appearance. Life setbacks and disappointments can lead to feelings of failure and depression, both having negative effects on desire. Anxiety can affect confidence and spiral down, as anxieties do, into reinforcing one’s feelings of failure and low self-esteem. Correcting low self-esteem requires serious attention to its origin. It is likely not a new phenomenon to the individual.

For most people the later years bring changes in emotion and physicality that affect the intensity and drive of earlier sexual experiences. The emotional by-products of maturity—increased confidence, better communication skills, and lessened inhibitions—can help create a richer and more deeply satisfying connection between two people. Sexuality becomes less goal-oriented and more oriented toward complete intimacy and sharing.

Self understanding and sexual self-acceptance combined with good communication can promise continued sexual development and growth throughout the lifespan. Healthy sexual intimacy has been shown to improve mood and overall physical well being.