The Act of Marriage After 40: Making Love for Life [Paperback]

Tim LaHaye (Author), Beverly LaHaye (Author), Mike Yorkey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2000

In this upbeat, medically informed sequel to their 2.5 million-selling book, The Act of Marriage, Tim and Beverly LaHaye candidly share their expertise on such topics as: Enhancing sexual intimacy with your spouse Adjusting to sexual changes resulting from growing older Openly facing menopause and ED (erectile dysfunction) The use of exercise, nutrition, female hormone drugs, and Viagra to improve one's sex life . . . and much more. The LaHayes have helped thousands of couples build stronger, happier, more intimate marriages. Discover that intimacy with your spouse after age 40 can be just as good, if not better, than ever before.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Act of Marriage After 40: Making Love for Life by Tim and Beverly LaHaye with Mike Yorkey is a practical, no-nonsense guidebook that will teach married couples to have a more satisfying sex life in middle age and beyond. A follow-up to their successful Act of Marriage, the topics covered in this book are based on the results of a comprehensive survey investigating the sexual issues that are most important to older Christian couples. Although the LaHayes say their research indicates that "the frequency of sex is reduced by advancing age," they make a convincing case for their belief that "the meaning of the act of marriage can be enriching, more satisfying even with the passage of years." Each chapter of the book explores topics such as menopause, erectile dysfunction, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and the temptation of extramarital affairs. The LaHayes also provide a number of strategies for jump-starting stalled sex lives. Some of these strategies are atmospheric (men will learn that "items that stir a woman's senses are a bouquet of flowers, a bowl of fresh fruit, or 100-gram bars of Swiss chocolate (chocolate has been known for its aphrodisiac qualities for centuries)." Other strategies are more technical. (Various sexual positions are described, and although the LaHayes "do not personally recommend or advocate oral sex," they "see no biblical grounds to preclude two married people from enjoying the practice.") The Act of Marriage is a passionate exploration of an important subject, and its advice will help many married couples practice sexual faithfulness to one another as an expression of Christian faith. --Paul Power --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Stress, aging and illness can contribute to a flagging sexual relationship for men and women after age 40. But the LaHayes, whose 1976 2.5-million-copy bestseller, The Act of Marriage, made it more permissible for evangelical Christians to discuss sex openly, say that combining the correct frame of mind with a few basic techniques can make the middle to golden years the richest and most sexually fulfilling. The husband-and-wife team (writing with Mike Yorkey, former editor of Focus on the Family magazine) cover the spectrum of sex and aging by discussing both male and female menopause, fluctuations in sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, breast and prostate cancer, common temptations and the importance of maintaining good health to enhance peak sexual performance. They offer practical tips and suggestions for the bedroom, demonstrating how spirituality affects sexual intimacy. Specifically, the authors advise couples to work on cultivating a warm relationship before entering the bedroom. They should take time to make thoughtful physical preparations and choose surroundings that are comfortable for both partners. Foreplay should offer a gentle touch, and intercourse involves finding those positions most conducive to mutual pleasure. The authors include a fascinating survey of approximately 800 men and women who answered 71 questions on their sexual history, satisfaction and habits. Each chapter is worthy of thoughtful, careful reading, offering hope to "over-40" married Christian couples.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310236339
• ISBN-13: 978-0310236337
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,701,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 16, 2002

By 

"olas" (Costa Rica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Act of Marriage After 40, The (Paperback)

I found this book to be very informative about middle age and beyond, marriage, physical problems, exercise, health, E.D., and, especially, sex life. It includes a section on hygiene, sexual positions, and sexual techniques, and everything is written from the Christian point of view. I found it very helpful and interesting. I would like to read the original "The Act of Marriage" to complement it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Married Couples over 40, January 27, 2009

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Act of Marriage After 40, The (Paperback)

Let me start by saying that I'm really amazed that this book has so few reviews because it has a lot of new information that is essential to having a wonderful sex life after 40. Since I just read "the Act of Marriage" by the same authors I feel qualified to compare the two books effectively. The first book is geared towards newlyweds and this book is for couples who are noticing changes in their sex lives after being married for quite a few years. Anyone who says the two books are the same hasn't read them and is providing incorrect information to the public.

This book begins with a discussion of perimenopause and then dives right into menopause. There is advice about using estrogen creams and a discussion on whether or not to consider estrogen-replacement therapy. There is a short discussion on natural alternatives like plant-based estrogens. There is also information on black cohosh to ward off hot flashes and soy foods may help to prevent breast cancer. There is also an entire chapter on breast cancer and the authors advise women to think about eating more soy products.

The chapter on male menopause is a very frank discussion which men will appreciate. Tim Lahaye gives advice about taking saw palmetto and eating more tomatoes to prevent prostate cancer. This is all very helpful advice that could be life-saving. The seven steps to prevent ED (erectile disfunction) is also very informative and will increase pleasure for men. While there is plenty of information for men, satisfying their partner is also discussed numerous times. There is even a list of accelerators to increase sexual desire in women. To motivate women in that direction there is also a discussion of the physical benefits of having sex at least once a week.

There is a brief discussion of aphrodisiacs and a chapter dedicated to eating healthy and talking vitamin supplements. Of course after reading this book you should discuss anything you want to try (supplements) with your doctor. This book is filled with information and just one idea could make your life more enjoyable. I can highly recommend this book to anyone over 40 who is married. If you are a newlywed then I can recommend The Act of Marriage.

~The Rebecca Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Act of Marriage, January 29, 2011

By 

Rosina Mason ""historical maiden"" (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Act of Marriage After 40, The (Paperback)

Very well written from a Biblical point of view~which I just loved!!! LaHaye discusses fitness a lot in this book and the importance of taking good care of our bodies and minds. If you don't feel right and good about yourself~tired a lot, out of shape~you are not going to give 100% to your marriage.