8/23/2007

Elderly Like Sex

On the lower left hand edge of the front page of the Washington Post is a hot story, "Elderly Staying Sexually Active."

Spokesperson for the University of Chicago says, "There is a popular perception that older people aren't as interested in sex as younger people." She goes on, " Our study shows that's simply not true. Older people value sexuality as an important part of life."

From the National Institute on Aging, the primary funder for the study comes, " This study paints a portrait of this aspect of older Americans' lives that suggests a previously uncharacterized vitality and interest i sexuality." She goes on. " This has not perhaps been fully appreciated."

I have a few questions to ask:

Who are these people?

Where have they been?

How old are they?

Its sort of like hearing someone wake up one morning, realizing that their grandparents DO IT!

Please.

Is this a medical break through - or just another sign of the aging of the "boomers."


Sometime last year, well before this study, I ran into an artist I know as I was dropping off a deposit at the bank. She told me she was leaving for Europe in a couple of days, traveling alone. We talked about her trip and then I commented on how well she looked.

Actually she looked fabulous, tall, willowy, a short bob of snow white hair, and a peaches and cream complexion.

" Not bad for a 91 year old broad, if I do say so myself."

" I don't believe you are 91 - how do you keep so well?"

"Well, my dear, I am 91. And I tell everyone my secret.

I take my pills, just like the doctor tells me to and "
she paused,

and "I have good sex."

True story.

3 comments:

pattidigh said...

Amen! I wonder - as I navigate young teenage life with my older daughter - how and why we are so fearful of acknowledging that at a very fundamental level (and from a very young age - and to a very old age) we are sexual creatures... love this story. That's who I want to be when I'm 91!

Granny Sue said...

I'm just catching up with you, Ellouise! Lots of interesting things to think about on your blog lately. I loved the cat story--we once had about 30, I think, all the progeny of one Mama cat named Minnie. I loved her, but my was she fruitful. My mother made us get rid of her and all the kittens except two. A boy and a girl. Soon we were back in the cat business!

Nunnie's Attic said...

I love it. As a "young" wife, myself being 34, who is madly in love with her husband, I sincerely hope that when I reach the age of AARP and discounts that we're still going strong.