Older men's sexuality more complex than just libido, says psychologist
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- The common notion that men become more sexually driven with age is questioned by a clinical psychologist.
- Factors like hormonal changes, loneliness, mental health, and brain function influence sexual behavior in older men.
- Healthy sexual desire requires consent, mutual respect, and adherence to the law.
The popular saying, 'The older a man gets, the stronger his desire,' is often accepted as fact, especially when sexual offenses involve elderly individuals. However, clinical psychologist Putri Intan Dianah Megat Burhainuddin from Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur explains that age is not the sole determinant of a man's libido.
A person's sexual desire is influenced by various factors. Besides age, it also depends on health, hormones, emotions, relationship with a partner, brain function, and current life circumstances.
She notes that changes in sexual behavior with age are complex, influenced by hormonal shifts, feelings of loneliness, the loss of a partner, mental health status, brain function, and even conditions like dementia that can impair self-control. "A person's sexual desire is influenced by various factors. Besides age, it also depends on health, hormones, emotions, relationship with a partner, brain function, and current life circumstances," Putri Intan Dianah stated.
In some cases, what appears as increased desire might stem from weakened self-control or changes in brain function affecting impulse management, rather than a heightened libido. Biologically, testosterone levels typically decline with age, which is usually associated with reduced energy, mood changes, sexual dysfunction, and a decrease in sexual desire.
In some cases, what appears as increased desire might stem from weakened self-control or changes in brain function affecting impulse management, rather than a heightened libido.
Putri Intan Dianah emphasizes that hormones are not the primary factor. Mental health, life stress, chronic illnesses, medications, self-image, and relationship satisfaction also play significant roles. Some older men may focus more on the sexual aspect, which can occur from a psychological standpoint but is not universal. Factors like retirement, loneliness, or shifts in identity can lead some men to seek intimacy as a way to feel valued or youthful. However, healthy sexual desire must always be consensual, respectful, safe, and lawful.
However, healthy sexual desire must always be consensual, mutual respect, safe and not violate the law.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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