| In our culture, there are many stereotypes about
sexuality. In American society, people in their late teens, 20s,
and 30s are seen as "sexy" while people over 40 or 50
may not be. Even healthy people may try to "turn back the clock"
as they age; taking pills or using creams and hair dyes, or even
having plastic surgery to look more youthful.
We may feel as if we're not measuring up—and that's even when
we're healthy!
You have probably heard that sex begins in the mind. It's true!
Feeling good about yourself and your body is key to a healthy sexual
relationship.
"I'm comfortable enough in myself not to care what other
people think of me. This is me—I can't change it. What's
perfect? To be good looking? Well off? That means nothing to me;
I don't like perfection. And if anyone is looking for it, they're
wasting their time because it doesn't exist. When I meet someone
I tell them up front about my kidney disease. I never considered
it a dark secret. I'm not ashamed. This is me, take it or leave
it. Some guys may be turned off, but that's okay. I understand
how they may feel about it. I admit it took me a while to feel
this way about it. But I feel damn lucky to be alive! And I'll
say it until the day I die."
 Healthy
aging
|