Recently, there has been an increasing number of scientific papers concerning the sexuality of older people, but most of them focus on partnered acts, ignoring solo practices. A recent publication in the journal Menopause focused on the use of sex toys during both partnered sex and self-stimulation, as well as their impact on well-being. Women tend to masturbate less frequently than men, and their sexual activity noticeably decreases with age. Women are inclined to see masturbation more as a supplement to a relationship with a partner, whereas men resort to it more often in the absence of one. Dispelling prejudices, it should be noted that this practice has favorable health consequences. For example, there is data suggesting a link between masturbation and improved cognitive abilities (memory, concentration, and others), including more effective memorization of verbal information. In this regard, the use of sex toys during masturbation acquires particular significance. The study involved over 300,000 women over the age of 60. Respondents reported using sex toys more frequently in a solo context than in a couple. Participants who almost always used sex toys during masturbation achieved orgasm significantly more often. The most popular items were external vibrators and penis mimics. Among those who had sexual intercourse with partners, more than a third (38.7%) mentioned the occasional use of sex toys. Considering that vaginal contact can cause discomfort and become difficult due to menopausal changes or men’s erection problems, alternative ways of expressing sexuality, including the use of sex toys, can serve as a substitute for coitus. The developers of the study recommend that doctors more actively inform patients in older age groups about the prospects of enriching their sexual lives.
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