
Magnificent Sex in Later Life: Why Aging Can Be Your Erotic Awakening
Sex Advice for Seniors PodcastShow Notes
I’m a big believer that we can receive good advice from anyone, regardless of their age. Emma Shandy Anway is a West Coast-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialises in relational and sex therapy. Although in her mid thirties, she has extensive experience working with couples aged 50+ and, during this episode, we discussed her work specifically with those aged 70+. Having chatted several weeks ago with Dr. Susan Campbell, herself in her 80s, about her sex life, I was curious on how someone fifty years her junior approaches the topic with her older clients because I have found that lived experience counts for a huge amount and sometimes those who have no concept of what it means to be older fall into familiar tropes and stereotypes that have no bearing on reality. I can’t say that about Emma whose approach with her older patients clearly demonstrates an openness and eagerness to help them embrace their sexual selves, whether that means exploring open relationships, kink or simply learning how to be a better lover to each other. As Emma says, age, illness and changing bodies do not have to mean the end of a vibrant sex life; the biggest shifts are in mindset, communication and willingness to experiment. What I know is that it is never too late to learn, explore or rewrite your sexual story, as long as you genuinely want to and are prepared to be curious, honest and kind with yourself and your partner. You can find Emma here: https://www.esacounseling.com/about https://www.instagram.com/pennyboardpsych Here’s a Yes/No/Maybe checklist I consider to be particularly comprehensive: You can find the episode with Dr. Susan Campbell here: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sexuality in Later Life 01:44 Understanding the Motivations for Seeking Therapy 06:53 Redefining Good Sex: From Okay to Magnificent 12:06 Navigating Disappointment and Apathy in Relationships 16:19 Body Confidence and Aging: Embracing Change 23:09 Exploring Alternative Relationships and Sexuality 27:47 Communication Tools for Sexual Exploration Unlock even more pleasure, clarity, and confidence in your intimate life by becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll gain full access to every weekly blog, the complete archive of 150+ expert-led podcasts, the private chat room for candid Q&A, and my 32‑page guide Sex Toys and Supplements for Thriving in Later Life. If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge, explore new possibilities, and feel fully supported on your journey, upgrade today only £6.99/month or £49.99/year. I rely on your financial support to help produce each weekly episode of the podcast and blog post. Do consider becoming a paid subscriber if you can.
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More from Sex Advice for Seniors Podcast
What I Discussed With Caroline Hood - Why couples need to stay connected as lovers as well as parents. - How motherhood can affect desire, identity and intimacy. - Why women's desire may not disappear but simply get pushed aside. - What happens when you're "touched out" from caregiving. - How ageing and changing bodies can affect sexual confidence. - Why communication matters when a couple's sexual dynamic changes. - How women can reconnect with their sexual selves.
What I Discussed With Gaylen Wilson - How erectile dysfunction changed Gaylen's sex life and marriage. - Why he believes men should take ED seriously rather than ignore it. - How couples can stay connected when erections become unreliable. - Why intimacy doesn't have to be centred around performance. - How shame and withdrawal can damage relationships. - The connection between ED, attachment and fight-or-flight. - How Gaylen and Heather developed the Monument Method. - Why lifestyle, fitness and overall health still matter.
What I Discussed With Rockne O'Leary - How fitness can affect sexual performance, confidence and overall health. - Why strength training and consistency become even more important as we age. - How to start exercising again when you've been out of the gym for years. - The connection between fitness, stress, lifestyle and sexual health. - Why men need places where they can talk honestly about relationships and life. - How Rockne's men's group is trying to create a space without judgment, including eventually bringing younger and older men together.
What I Discussed With Dr. Maria Sophocles - Why sexual burnout can happen in midlife. - What menopause changes physically and sexually. - Vaginal estrogen and why it can help. - Spontaneous vs. receptive desire. - The five M's for reconnecting with sexuality. - Testosterone, “scream cream” and newer treatments for female sexual arousal. - How GLP-1 medications may affect libido and sexual health. - Practical ways to reconnect with sex and pleasure.
What I Discussed With Dr. Justin Lehmiller - How men's sexual health and desire can change as they get older. - Why erectile difficulties become more common with age and where Viagra fits in. - Why sex toys can be useful for men and how to choose the right kind of stimulation. - How to introduce sex toys into a relationship without making things awkward. - What penis pumps can do for erectile difficulties and sexual function. - Why masturbation and orgasm may have benefits beyond sexual pleasure.