Intimacy and Sex Over 50: Getting Your Confidence Back and Celebrating Your Body
Feeling sexy after 50 may seem like a struggle, but it shouldn’t be. Just because society obsesses over youth doesn’t mean women over 50 are any less attractive or desirable. Let’s explore the root causes of this mindset, examine the reality behind some common misconceptions, and see if we can find some solutions to overcoming these obstacles. By embracing our age and experiences, we can cultivate true confidence and ageless sexiness.
Why Do We as Women Feel Put Out to Pasture After the Age of 50?
In a world where youth is glorified and often equated with beauty, once we hit 50 we can begin to feel sidelined or ignored. This mindset can make it difficult to feel attractive, causing insecurities that can impact both our self-confidence and intimate relationships. It’s essential to recognize that youth doesn’t have a monopoly on beauty – as women over 50 we have a wealth of experience, wisdom, and uniqueness that can only be attained with time.
The Cultural Pressure of Youthful Beauty
Constant exposure to images of younger women in the media, paired with the multi-billion-dollar beauty and cosmetic surgery industries, creates an environment that pressures us to look and feel like our younger counterparts. This pressure often brings about a negative self-image and we begin to seek out age-defying serums and procedures in an attempt to meet these unrealistic standards. We have to remember that true beauty lies in embracing and celebrating our unique journey, not subscribing to the expectations of others.
Do Our Partners Really Want a Younger Woman, or Is That Just Our Own Hang-Up?
One common fear among women over 50 is the belief that their partners desire a younger woman. However, research reveals that age is not a major factor in men’s attraction to their partners. A study by AARP (that membership is good for more than just discounts) found that 75% of men aged 45-59 are attracted to women their own age and are still satisfied with their sex life. So, perhaps it’s time we stop worrying about our partners’ desires and start focusing on celebrating our relationships and mutual attraction.
So Where Does That Leave Us?
How about rather than feeling sidelined, maybe we should instead embrace our age and the life experiences that come with it. Let’s refuse to be dictated by societal norms, forge our own unique path, and allow for a world in which our confidence and intimacy flourish. Ultimately, this mindset will positively impact our intimate relationships and enable us to grow and thrive sexually.
How Can We Get Our Confidence Back, Lose the Inhibitions, and Celebrate Our Bodies?
As women over 50, we can reclaim confidence in our bodies and our sexuality by:
- Recognizing that beauty doesn’t have an expiration date
- Embracing age as an asset, not a liability
- Prioritizing our own self-care and self-love, regardless of our age
- Engaging in open conversations with partners about sexuality and aging
- Exploring new avenues for intimacy and pleasure
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do,” shares Brené Brown, acclaimed author and life coach.
