Editorial
Written byMen's Health Istanbul Editorial Team
Medical reviewer (awaiting sign-off)Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş
Published
Updated
Medically reviewedNot yet
The short answer
Yes. Many men in their 60s have an active and satisfying sex life. Research on older adults shows that sexual activity often continues into later life and depends more on overall health than on age alone. Changes are normal: erections may need more direct stimulation, be less firm or take longer to return, and ejaculation may be less forceful. Health conditions, medicines and a partner's health also play a part. Erection problems are common but treatable, and a doctor can check for underlying causes such as heart disease or diabetes.
Key takeaways
- Sexual activity commonly continues into the 60s and beyond, and good general health is closely linked to it.
- Slower arousal, softer erections and a longer recovery time between erections are normal changes with age.
- Erection problems are common but treatable, and they can be a sign to check heart and metabolic health.
- Talking with your partner, and with a doctor, makes adapting much easier.
Do men stay sexually active in their 60s?
Many do. A large national survey of older adults in the United States, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that plenty of people aged 57 to 85 remained sexually active. Activity became less common with age, but it was closely tied to health: people who described their health as good were more likely to be sexually active than those in poorer health.
The same study found that about half of sexually active men reported at least one bothersome sexual problem, most commonly difficulty with erections. In other words, problems are common, and so is carrying on.
What changes in your sex life in your 60s?
Some changes are a normal part of ageing rather than signs of illness:
- erections may take longer to develop and need more direct touch rather than thoughts or sights alone;
- erections may be less firm or harder to keep;
- the recovery time before another erection is possible usually gets longer;
- ejaculation may be less forceful, with less fluid;
- desire can fluctuate, influenced by health, mood, sleep and relationship.
Knowing these are expected can take a lot of pressure off. Slower is not the same as worse, and many couples find that less hurried sex suits them.
Can health problems and medicines affect sex in later life?
Yes, and this is often where the biggest difference lies. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, low mood and prostate treatment can all affect erections or desire. Some medicines, including certain blood pressure tablets, antidepressants and prostate medicines, can do the same. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own, but do ask whether it could be playing a part.
Because erections depend on healthy blood vessels, new or worsening erection problems can be an early sign of heart and circulation problems. Guidelines recommend that men with erectile dysfunction have their cardiovascular health checked.
What helps with erection problems after 60?
Age alone does not rule out treatment. Options usually start simple and step up if needed:
- Lifestyle. Staying active, keeping to a healthy weight, stopping smoking and drinking less alcohol support blood vessel health.
- Tablets. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil help many men. They need sexual stimulation to work and must not be taken with nitrate heart medicines. A doctor decides whether they suit you.
- Other treatments. Vacuum devices, injections into the penis and, when other options have not worked, a penile implant.
Treating an underlying problem, such as poorly controlled diabetes, can help too.
How do couples adapt to changes in sex with age?
Sex in later life is a shared experience, and a partner's health matters as much as your own. Menopause, arthritis, pain or illness can affect either person. Talking openly about what feels good now, rather than what worked decades ago, helps. So does broadening what counts as sex: touch, closeness and non-penetrative intimacy all have a place.
Our article on male sexual health after 50 covers some of these changes in more depth.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if erection problems or low desire are bothering you or your partner, if changes came on suddenly, or if you have chest pain or breathlessness with exertion, including during sex. Our erectile dysfunction guide explains how it is assessed and treated.
Questions men also ask
Is it normal to want sex less often in your 60s?
Desire varies widely between people and often changes with age, health, mood and relationship. A drop in desire that bothers you is worth discussing, as it can have treatable causes.
Is sex a strain on the heart?
For most men with stable heart health, sexual activity is comparable to moderate exercise. If you have heart disease or get chest pain or breathlessness on exertion, ask your doctor whether you are fit for sexual activity.
Can erectile dysfunction tablets be taken with heart medicines?
Many men with heart conditions can use them, but they must never be combined with nitrates. A doctor needs to check your medicines first.
Sources & further reading
- New England Journal of Medicine A Study of Sexuality and Health among Older Adults in the United States (opens in a new tab) (2007) Lindau ST, et al.
- European Urology European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health—2021 Update: Male Sexual Dysfunction (opens in a new tab) (2021) Salonia A, et al.
- Journal of Urology Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline (opens in a new tab) (2018) Burnett AL, et al.
- Mayo Clinic Proceedings The Princeton III Consensus recommendations for the management of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (opens in a new tab) (2012) Nehra A, et al.
Concerned about something you've read?
Ask one of our specialists privately. There is no obligation, and no question is too awkward.
This article is general health information. It does not replace an individual medical consultation, examination or diagnosis. Read our editorial policy and medical review policy.
