Sextech for seniors: Rekindling passion and intimacy in later life
Nowadays, the notion that ‘pleasure is for everyone’ should be the norm. However, the misconception that the fire in the bedroom dies down after 60 still lingers. A Swedish study on aging and care is debunking this outdated belief.
The analysis found 75 percent of seniors aged 60 to 96 were highly satisfied with their sex lives, suggesting that intimacy doesn’t die down in the senior years. A previous 2019 study supported these findings, showing that older adults aged 65 to 80 reported having more sex—and thought about it more often—than their younger counterparts.
Despite these encouraging stats, outdated views about senior sex still cloud the conversation, creating unnecessary barriers for older adults eager to fully embrace their sexuality. This is where aids, like sex tech for the elderly, come into play.
The importance of sexual health in aging
Maintaining an active sex life in older age is not just about pleasure—it’s about preserving overall well-being, which improves physical, emotional, and psychological health, which in turn help seniors fend off common age-related issues.
Some of the most common issues experienced in relation to sex are:
Sandi Kaufman, a renowned sex and relationship therapist, highlights the importance of adapting sexual experiences for aging bodies. “We’re talking about older adults with erectile unpredictability, dry vaginas that can make sex uncomfortable, knee replacements, back issues, arthritis. What I’m talking about is trying to get people to think more openly about what sex looks like as they encounter aging bodies,” she explains.
By understanding these challenges, we can better appreciate how sex tech can address these specific needs. With the global sextech market projected to reach an estimated $124.8 billion by 2026, this rapid growth suggests that sextech is extending far beyond the typical age group, positioning itself as the ideal solution to the limitations that come with aging.
Sex tech innovations for seniors
When we think about sex toys for the golden years, our minds automatically float off to the most out-of-the-box option that would take sensations to levels unknown. However, those options aren’t the best choices as they lack the practicality and ease of use that seniors need.
Below is a summary of a few of the top picks that tick all the boxes.
Cock rings
One of the most common issues people with penises face with aging is erectile dysfunction (ED), which experts like Dr. Elliot Justin believe can be managed without the help of the little blue pill. Dr. Justin has developed several tech devices to monitor sexual health and improve sexual performance. One of them being, you guessed it, a cock ring.
The award-winning FirmTech Ring, worn at the base of the penis, offers gentle, stimulating vibrations that enhance sexual pleasure and help maintain erections. These vibrations, combined with the ring’s constriction feature, increase sensitivity and overall arousal, making sexual experiences more enjoyable.
The ring also tracks vital erection data, giving seniors insights into their sexual health to optimize their sex schedule and even detect other potential health issues. It also boosts sensitivity, addressing a common issue seniors face.
Dr. John Mulhall, a member of FirmTech’s scientific advisory board, underscores the impact of new technologies on sexual health. “Real-time ambulatory or at-home recording of erectile activity is highly innovative and has the potential to revolutionize the management of men’s sexual health and, more broadly, general vascular health,” Mulhall says.
This perspective emphasizes how advancements in sex tech, like the FirmTech Ring, can offer both immediate and long-term health benefits.
Another option is the Eddie by Giddy, which takes the standard cock ring to the next level for maximum benefit. Doctors designed this FDA Class II device to create an ED treatment based on actual physiology. Unlike the standard cock ring, which is round, Eddie’s unique oval shape restricts veins while keeping arteries open for better blood flow.
Made from flexible materials that expand and contract, the ring is covered with a soft, seamless outer layer for comfort. The multi-sized tension bands provide a snug fit, enhancing pleasure during ejaculation as well.
In a 12-week clinical trial involving 60 male participants, Eddie proved to be effective in improving sexual confidence and performance. A whopping 93 percent of participants noted an improvement in the quality of their erections.
Vibrators
According to studies from Indiana University, vibrators are used by 53 percent of women and 45 percent of men aged between 18 and 60, and while that doesn’t cover the ‘seniors’ age category, the findings confirm vibrators can help improve overall sexual function, including low sexual desire, reduced sensitivity, difficulties reaching an orgasm, pelvic floor weakness, and even decreased blood flow.
For seniors, vibrators like the We-Vibe Tango X and Svakom CiCi Slim Viber are particularly beneficial. With the touch of a button, they deliver a mix of powerful yet gentle vibrations, providing targeted stimulation for enhanced sensitivity and arousal. For vulva owners, these devices provide powerful clitoral stimulation to boost arousal and satisfaction.
Penis owners on the other hand can use them for perineum and glans stimulation, rejuvenating sensations that have dulled over the years. Both vibrators have ergonomic contours and a smooth exterior for comfort during play, adjusting to positions and sensitivities.
The CiCi goes the extra mile though with its flexibility and design, which allows it to be used internally as well–think vaginal, anal and even foreskin play. Another option for frenulum and glans play is the Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Essential Dragon Eye. This device aims to shift preconceived notions about erectile dysfunction (ED) supporting orgasms no matter the erection quality.
The flexible C-shaped vibrating penis sleeve is designed for both stroking and hands-free use. It features ‘Pulse Plate Technology‘, which uses rhythmic vibrations to stimulate the penis at the right points, and can be used on a semi-hard or flaccid penis, making it a must have for seniors.
Pelvic floor trainers
Pelvic floor trainers offer significant benefits for seniors of all genders. For those with vulvas, these devices can enhance arousal and lubrication by improving muscle control and blood flow. For those with penises, pelvic floor trainers improve erectile function, delay ejaculation, and enhance sexual performance. But their impact doesn’t stop at sexual health.
They also improve bladder and bowel control, reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, and alleviate lower back and pelvic pain. Two standout options are the Boost: Sit-On-Top Kegel Trainer and The Leva Pelvic Health System. The Boost features a soft air pillow for comfort and a biofeedback system that ensures accurate muscle engagement, which can be challenging for seniors.
This design aims to improve stamina, reduce pelvic pain, and enhance overall sexual experiences. The Leva, designed for those with vulvas, is a flexible insert similar to a tampon that connects wirelessly to an app.
The app guides users through pelvic floor exercises and tracks their progress. Clinical trials have shown that just eight weeks of using the Leva can significantly reduce stress-related and mild urinary incontinence, proving its effectiveness and user-friendly design.
Essential support for senior sex tech
While sextech options can enhance intimate experiences, incorporating sex furniture or adaptive equipment into the picture takes tech use to the next level. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) confirms this need, with experts sharing valuable insights.
Jane Fleishman, an AASECT-certified sex educator, explains that “Some people may not be able to withstand the pressure of holding their partner, rubbing their partner, stimulating their partner—even holding their toys.”
Evelin Molina Dacker, a physician and medical director of Vida Integrative Medicine, highlights the role of supportive sex furniture in enhancing comfort for seniors. She explains, “Sex furniture, such as wedges, specialty-made couches, and chairs, can absolutely make positions more comfortable for bodies that need extra support. As people age, flexibility decreases, so supportive sex furniture can make all the difference.”
This insight emphasizes the importance of combining sex tech with adaptive equipment to maximize comfort and pleasure. In short, sex furniture helps seniors maximize their tech use while adding comfort and versatility.
To make the most of sex tech for the elderly innovations:
Embracing intimacy in the golden years
Sex and intimacy are vital to a fulfilling life at any age. Thanks to advancements in sex tech, seniors now have access to innovative tools like penis rings, vibrators, and pelvic floor trainers that can reignite pleasure and overcome age-related challenges.
By integrating supportive sex furniture and taking a proactive approach to exploring these technologies, you can enhance both your intimate experiences and overall well-being. Embrace these innovations, communicate openly with your partner or caregiver, and consult your healthcare provider to make the most of what modern sex tech has to offer.
