What Women Over 50 Should Know About Dating and Sex

According to statistics released in 2006 by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than a third of Americans over 50 are divorced, widowed, separated or have never married.

Dating

Today all the rules have changed. If you thought or think you know about dating in the over 50 world, think again, dating at the mid-point of your life means a whole new approach and requires a totally new mindset.

Women should use their experience to their advantage by being more aggressive in meeting new people than they have in the past. You need to recognize men and women have a degree of shyness. You need to know the most successful men, those we would think have great confidence, in reality have almost no clue about how to approach or talk to women.

Women may need to take more risks than before. Get over rejection, we all get rejected. It's not worth the effort to think about it. No time for low self-esteem. Be upbeat and positive when dealing with the opposite sex. A simple "hello" might lead to a conversation.

It is now okay for you to ask very detailed questions on a first date. It will save both of you time and energy if you find a "deal killer" trait.

You can notice the bad qualities in men right away--excessive drinkers, control types, abusive or argumentative personalities and extreme jealousy. These types of men can be quickly eliminated before you spend a lot of time with them.

According to an AARP poll, almost one-third of women between the ages of 40 and 69 are dating younger men--10 or more years younger. Older women like the sense of adventure that comes with a younger man.

You have learned who you are as a person, as well as your likes and dislikes. It can also make it hard to find someone to date because you're more selective.

A woman should ask a man she's met out on a date; it's acceptable and flattering.

Women shouldn't be negative or bitter about their life or things that have happened to them, and don't complain about past relationships.

Sex

Some women are not comfortable with the way their bodies are aging, feeling their new wrinkles, gray hairs, or weight gain make them unattractive. If you are struggling with your self-image, remember that your vitality, sensuality and desire to love do not fade. Attractiveness and sensuality does not fade with age, it just changes.

If you are sexually active, you are at risk for HIV, no matter how old you are. Abstaining from sex is the surest way to avoid passing on HIV and other STDs. If you are sexually active, you use a condom for safe sex, not for avoiding pregnancy.

Women in their 50s make great lovers. Menopause gives older women a sense of freedom. Their sexuality becomes more important, and they are able to enjoy it.

You should be over the "nice girls don't" thing. You know yourself sexually, if not, now is the time to find out.

Women over 50 find sex and romance the number one characteristic when looking for a partner compared to being number four in earlier marriages.

A woman's sexual interest may decrease during her 50s and 60s, becoming stronger again in her 70s or 80s.

Women value the aging process by talking about the changes in your sexual desire with your doctor, partner, friends, daughters and sons.

Sex for women has no age limit. Finding their desire increases when they no longer worry about being interrupted by young children or getting pregnant, even though older women may take longer to become aroused than younger women. Those who remain sexually active are able to have normal orgasms. As women age their bodies change and so do their sexual organs.

After menopause, women's bodies produce less estrogen, the female hormone and less testosterone, the male hormone. The lower estrogen level causes some physical changes which may affect sexual activity as many women are slower to lubricate during sex. This may make intercourse less comfortable or even painful. Some women avoid sex because they find it less pleasurable. Natural lubrication can be stimulated by the many practices and products available. Testosterone plays an important role in creating sexual thoughts and arousal in both men and women.

Taking care of you is very important. A healthy diet, regular exercise and relaxing activities keep your body and mind in good shape. Exercise can increase sexual frequency and improve performance. Taking care of your body and mind will help keep you primed for sex, at any age.