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National News By Fritz Esker Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly T he month of May is designated “Older Americans” Month. This little-known designa- tion is not new. Initially established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the month exists to highlight a variety of important is sues for the United States’ older population. One such topic is sex. And for older Americans, more and more are enjoying an active love life well into their golden years. According to Dudley Danoff, MD, an author and expert in the field of urolo- gy, the increase in sexual intercourse in older Ameri- cans can be attributed to a number of factors. Top on the list is that more Ameri- cans are living longer. Danoff, who began his practice over 40 years ago, says that initially he saw on average one patient a month who was 100 years of age or older. Now, he says he aver- ages two to three such patients in a week. However, an increase in older Americans is not the only reason for the spike. In years past, men who lived long lives often had physi- cal obstacles to engaging in intercourse. But with the advent of medications like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc., a greater number of male senior citizens are able to enjoy an active sex life. Danoff believes this is a positive trend. Many Amer- icans still believe that sex is something for the young (or at least middle-aged). But Danoff said that if a person is healthy enough to get out of bed, do some simple exercises, and take a few steps, then he or she can have sex. “You don’t stop having sex because you get older,” Danoff said. “If you stop having sex, then you get older.” There are, of course, chal- lenges and obstacles for older people having sex. It can take a longer time for a man to get an erection and may be more difficult to maintain it. A man may require a longer time in between sexual encounters before being able to achieve orgasm again. Medications can help with these prob- lems. Part of the issue stems from the testosterone loss that men suffer from after age 40, about one percent per year. Danoff says men should be cautious in pursu- ing testosterone supplements, though, because it might increase a patient’s risk for prostate cancer. This is especially PHOTO COURTESY OF More Senior Citizens Maintaining an Active Sex Life achieve erection and climax too quickly. This isn’t as much of an issue in old age. Older Americans often have more time that they can devote to sex. If their important, Dr. Danoff believes there is another, more important factor. “Above all, you have to have a sense of humor and realistic expectation,” ‘You don’t stop having sex because you get older. If you stop having sex, then you get older’ Dudley Danoff, MD pertinent for African-Amer- ican men, who are already at higher risk for the dis- ease. Patients should consult a urologist before taking supplements. On the other hand, older age opens up a variety of opportunities in the bed- room, too. Danoff said the necessity of longer foreplay can be positive. He said many younger patients complain to him that they children are out of the house, they’re less likely to have interruptions or other obligations when they’re at home. If they’re retired, they have even more time available without a job com- mitment. But while time is Danoff said. But with more sexual activity, there are also increased risks for sexually transmitted diseases in older demographics. With the possibility of pregnancy disappearing after a certain age, it can be more tempting for seniors to forego protec- tion during sex. According to statistics from the Louisiana De part ment of Health and Hospitals, HIV diagnoses in older Louisian - ians went up from 2010-2011 (2011 is the most recent year the DHH has compiled the relevant stats). For Louisianians aged 65 and over, the number climbed from 13 in 2010 to 18 in 2011. In the 55-64 age bracket, the number rose from 66 in 2010 to 78 in 2011. The age 45-54 demo- graphic went up from 207 in 2010 to 232 in 2011. How- ever, it should be noted that every age group in Louisiana except 0-12 saw an increase in HIV diag- noses from 2010 to 2011. Danoff said there are no unique precautions seniors must take to prevent sexual- ly transmitted diseases. Those having sex in a monogamous relationship should be worry-free, but those engaging in higher- risk intercourse should still use condoms. “If you are engaging in high-risk sex at any age, you are exposing yourself to the risk of HIV and AIDS,” said Dr. Danoff. This article originally published in the April 20, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspa- per. The Juneteenth planning committee is seeking more volunteers and vendors. Please contact us at juneteenthoregon@gmail.com or call 503-381-0056 to join this milestone celebration of freedom. April 29, 2015 The Portland and Seattle Skanner Page 9
