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Sex after 60 (NAME CHANGING ALLOWED)

(112 Posts)
CariGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 15-Nov-16 09:37:00

The sexuality of people over a certain age seems to be something of a taboo subject - but not for esteemed French psychologist Marie de Hennezel.

In her new book, Sex After Sixty: a French guide to loving intimacy, she looks at how emotional intimacy plays a huge role in maintaining a sex life as you age and how knowing how to take pleasure as it comes, rather than focussing on what could be, can be the key to a more erotic and satisfying sexuality.

She will be answering your questions on the above and more - simply leave them on this thread before Tuesday 29 November. Note that if you'd prefer to change your name for this, that is absolutely fine - just drop us a line at [email protected] and we can sort that out.

Marie de Hennezel is the author of two ministerial reports about caring for those with terminal illnesses, and has written ten books about growing older, including the Sunday Times top-5 bestseller The Warmth of the Heart Prevents Your Body from Rusting. Her books have been translated into 22 languages.

From attending Tantric workshops to interviewing dozens of sexually active older people, de Hennezel looks at the role that sex plays in our health and sets out on a quest to discover how you can continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life into old age. She brings her insight as a psychotherapist - along with her Gallic joie de vivre and frankness - to bear on a subject that has been brushed under the carpet for too long. Having seen the sexual revolution first-hand in France in the 1960s and 70s, today de Hennezel - born in 1946 - argues that it's time for a new sexual revolution, one which acknowledges that sex is important at any stage of adulthood, and which embraces many different ways of making love. In a society saturated by online porn and 'hook-up culture', reflecting on intimacy and learning from those who know how to make it last is more important than ever, making her book essential reading for lovers of any age.

Wobblybits Fri 18-Nov-16 08:54:13

Just seen this thread and when i saw the new car sex post, I got very excited (perhaps I should have read further posts). We got a new car a couple of weeks ago, raced into the garage and gave it a try, wasn't that impressed, and now how do I get this black ring of soot off my willy ?

f77ms Fri 18-Nov-16 08:13:41

You can also choose not to read it if it offends you Shanma .

kittylester Fri 18-Nov-16 07:28:37

And you might find people in the same boat or help someone who isn't as brave.

That is the good thing about Gransnet - we are in it together - usually!

mumofmadboys Thu 17-Nov-16 23:51:28

Maybe because it can be anonymous and you don't have to speak to someone face to face

Shanma Thu 17-Nov-16 23:46:26

Why on earth would anyone wish to discuss their sex lives on a public forum? Seems odd to me

specki4eyes Thu 17-Nov-16 22:02:30

thanks Kitty - its been a roller coaster ride since we met at East Mids airport hotel! But I'm getting there! Hope you are well.

norose4 Thu 17-Nov-16 15:54:56

Leave the worry behind marthajolly1, cosy comfy place , glass of bubbly, soft lights (essential ?) laughter also essential! Deep heat for pulled muscles & coco & slippers for dessert !!

Gardenman99 Thu 17-Nov-16 15:16:30

We are in our mid 60s and still enjoy a weekly session we have been married 45 years. I often tell my wife she is a fantastic mother grandmother friend and lover. I thank god for her. If you don't use it you lose it.

kittylester Thu 17-Nov-16 14:19:55

Hope it turns out well, specki - which ever way it goes. flowerswinesunshine

specki4eyes Thu 17-Nov-16 12:48:45

Marthajolly1 - I'm in exactly the same situation as you and wondering how its going to be after such a long time being celibate. My lovely new man is a widower who has also been celibate for some years having nursed his (now) late wife through cancer.
What astonishes me is that in my youth I was a bit of a goer - not what you would call promiscuous but plenty of 'magic moments' with various boyfriends. Now I feel like a simpering virgin anticipating and worrying about how this is all going to happen!
What the hell has happened to us sixties gals!
So, anyway he is coming to stay over this weekend and I'm so pathetic, I'm preparing the guest room, so he wont feel pressured!
Help!!

GertrudeGrace Wed 16-Nov-16 12:02:23

I'm posting this because it is a problem I had that has now been fixed but I need to spread the word in case others are just putting up with it. Since the menopause the scar tissue caused by a tear when in labour had got tighter and tighter, so much so that sex had become impossible. I visited the GP at least three times and was prescribed hormone treatment, a different type each time but none of them made any difference. By a stroke of luck a new GP joined the practice and she took a look, the first one to do so. I had a very simple day op called a Fenton procedure and it has got things working again. I put up with it for about 18 months before this new GP came and it was making us quite miserable. it was such an easy op and the outcome has cheered us both up no end.

kittylester Tue 15-Nov-16 20:22:55

I think the point was made above that we are all children of the 60s.

annsixty Tue 15-Nov-16 19:36:55

I didn't see any reason not to. We weren't confessing to unnatural practices. Just commenting on a normal relationship and whether on not it endures.

Jalima Tue 15-Nov-16 19:03:29

Most people seem to have used their real (GN) names, although I don't recognise one or two

wot Tue 15-Nov-16 16:56:01

You're often rude iam

Dianic Tue 15-Nov-16 16:54:59

Im68Now - if I knew I was going to have car sex, I'd go out "Commando"!! Sod wriggling out of your knickers... grin

I'm 58 and DH is 65 and I'm grateful that we have a lovely, regular sex life. Admittedly, his cancers have caused a bit of impotence and he struggles with a proper erection, but our wonderful, understanding GP has prescribed him little blue pills, so we still get enough to keep him happy!!

Personally, I'm a bit lazy in that department, but DH has always had a high sex drive, so I look forward to our "sessions".

I think it's true that we're children of the 60s and that makes life so much easier...

No questions for Marie, just my two penn'orth. smile

Im68Now Tue 15-Nov-16 16:40:55

Step one.

TriciaF Tue 15-Nov-16 16:35:43

grin (for 68now)
As it's a question and answer topic, here's a question.
As many of us have had hip replacement surgery, what are the safe positions for sex for
a) operated men
b) operated women?
That is, as long both partners wish to participate.

Im68Now Tue 15-Nov-16 16:14:16

We have a new car every 2 years and I must admit I've had better sessions, but OH enjoys it. Last April was the last change of cars and we listened to Radio 4 as well.

Don't Knock it Till You Try It

Do Gay people say that. confused

kittylester Tue 15-Nov-16 15:54:47

We no longer dangle form the chandeliers either - plays havoc with the back. I've had car sex but not necessarily in a new car! blush

As jayh said, people who are over 60 now were children of the 60s and we all talked about everything. Mind you, we should have talked more and done less then we might not have had 5 children.

Marthajolly1, I hope it goes really well for you and I hope you keep us informed of how the relationship (not just the sex!!) progresses.

mumofmadboys Tue 15-Nov-16 15:49:56

I would say let it handle itself! I don't mean to be flippant but I don't think too much planning will help! Wish you well

Marthajolly1 Tue 15-Nov-16 15:37:06

After ten years alone I've recently become emotionally attached. We both know where were heading and happy to take our time but I have to say the sexual tension between us is electric at times and sooo good. Although I am very nervous of the inevitable, I could do with some advice on how to handle the first time.

grannylyn65 Tue 15-Nov-16 15:35:51

shock

tanith Tue 15-Nov-16 15:10:36

The mind boggles lm68now

Stansgran Tue 15-Nov-16 14:55:56

Or only when you buy a new car?