The Sexuality of Baby Boomers Aging baby Boomers are facing the ‘use it or lose it’ proposition when it comes to their sexual health. So they’re getting pumped up to re-invent their sexuality.
When the company where she was employed dissolved in a corporate merger, Patricia lost her job as an Account Manager. Asked by a friend to host an in-home party to sell ‘naughty sex toys’ and lingerie to her girlfriends, she reluctantly agreed. “It’s not the kind of party I talk to my mother about,” Patricia says, sitting in her home office cluttered with an inventory of vibrators, lubricants, lacy lingerie and DVDs on tantric sex. “But I’m making more money working part time and I’m certainly having more fun. These parties provide a setting where women can talk about their sexuality, release their frustration with laughter and get pumped to put some zest back into their love making.” Use It or Loose ItWhat’s up with the aging boomers? Back in the 60s it was all about sex, drugs and rock n roll – life was a party. But not long after initiating the sexual revolution, boomers were faced with a more sobering reality: raising families, building careers, paying mortgages and college tuitions and trying to manage an increasingly out-of-control lifestyle. It all added up to spending a lot less time on one of their most cherished activities of their youth – sex. The first of the 78+ million Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 -1964 – started turning 60 this year and their health has become a top priority. One area receiving more than just a glance is their waning sexual health. A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive revealed that 84 percent of the respondents said physical intimacy was more important than having enough money (72 percent) or good health (78 percent). However, over half rated their intimate physical relationship as unsatisfactory. Like their bulging waists, graying hair and weathering skin, the boomer’s sexual health is also showing the scourge of aging. Faced with the ‘use it or lose it proposition’, boomers are eager to put some passion back into their sex lives and getting back in touch with their sexuality has become a booming trend. TV and radio talk shows, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, sexual advice columns in all the major newspapers and magazines, movies, books, DVDs and Internet erotica are all flourishing venues to explore and express their feelings on sexuality. Sex therapist Dr. Joy Davidson, PhD., author of Fearless Sex says that dialogue on sexuality has certainly become more public. Dr. Davidson believes that the Internet has been a major influence in helping the boomers explore sexuality in general, but especially male sexuality and male sexual health. “It’s had a dramatic impact on sexual openness, with online communities springing up to discuss just about every aspect of sexual expression. The Internet also spares people the embarrassment of going into a sex shop to buy sex aids and toys because they can order them discretely online.”
Sam Fields 
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