Aging and Sexuality
Many researchers often ask the question, "Is sex more important than life itself?" In my opinion, I think it could very well be. The procreation and continuation of our species and it' s evolution in life will play powerful roles in our development of our lifespan, health and well-being. The desire and intimacy intinct of a male and a female also contribute to the species success. The measures we take to advertise ourselves to the other sex is what's very species specific but unique when viewing sexual appeal. Popular theory of reason for the differences in gender of a woman; is that she is to be selective in the choosing multiple willing suitors to her one egg or offspring. On the other end of the continumn is the competing or battles with other males to show off their worthiness to compete for the one egg. The psychologist, Arthur Feiner, once defined it as "The capacity to evoke fantasy" or sex appeal. Most women will advertises herself in hopes of being perceived as"sexy" or beautiful. Throughout the lifespan as we grow older and gravity begins to weigh us down, is sex appeal and desire still as strong as it once was? This question is largely influenced by the media and tends to lack research. It was my experience on Valentines Day in 1997 that rose this very question. It was dramatic for me at the time but heightened interest in the subject of aging and sexuality. Suddening sounds like BOOMB, BOOM of the headboard and OHHHH HOO AHHH was coming from my grandparent's bedroom. It is true -My sixty something year old grandparents were having sex. So as I sat in their computer room in total shock and complete disgust, I wondered if knew I was still up or did they even care
Based on what the media and other people told me, it was the impossible. Since that night, I have sometimes wondered about it, and if it was normal. Is it normal for two old people to still have wild sex? Does the concept of sexy still exist at age 60 or 70?
References: Antonette M. Zeiss, "Aging and Human Sexuality Resource Guide" APA Online, 2003.