The Complicated Sex Life of Baby Boomers

mt12There are 80 million baby boomers out there, who have no plans to experience their senior years the way their parents did. Much like their rebellion in the 60’s and 70’s, this experimental bunch intends to be the most sexually fulfilled 50 and 60 year-olds ever.

Clearly, the internet and significant cultural shifts regarding sexual norms have led to ideas about sexuality that are more permissive, encourage multiple relationships, and invite exploration. Megan Andelloux, founder of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, says, “People tend to realize in their late 40s that they aren’t having the type of sex they want, so they reach out to the center to make that happen.”

Still, even with a more open mindset, boomers admit that exploring their sexual sides late in life does have its challenges. Older bodies usually show a bit of wear and tear. Women relate tales of preparing their lovers for the realities of a body and breasts that have endured breast cancer. People who change their sexual orientation share the difficulties of navigating the relational and social expectations of a same-sex partner.

One of the more significant challenges for boomers looking for love is time. Boomers are often still working full time, caring for aging parents, and may be supporting adult children. Though Match.com and other sites show increased interest from boomers, most still prefer more personal encounters. With little time to go out, many find themselves engaging each other at work, or their parents’ care centers and nursing facilities.

When a connection does occur, boomers also find themselves having to navigate the idea of “safe sex,” relational boundaries, and compatibility outside the racial, religious, and gender categories in which they’ve always operated.

“Twenty years ago, there was a code of silence around sex. But the baby boomers are more open about discussing it, and doing something different,” says Kate Feldman, co-director of directors of the Conscious Relationships Institute, where she regularly helps lead couples in workshops in sex and intimacy.

Read the entire article here:  The complicated sex life of baby boomers

 

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