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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sex in the second half of life, May 20, 2011
This review is from: Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex (Paperback)
Back in 1975, I read Studs Terkel's Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day an organized set of interviews which focused on "real people," and how their jobs affected their lives. In a similar vein, Naked at Our Age, appropriately subtitled "Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex", also spotlights real people's experiences, feelings, thoughts, and concerns about sex in the latter half of life. For me, Terkel's book highlighted the tension between the way a job could be unsatisfying yet also provide vital self-definition. Price's book elaborates on the multiple physical, social, and emotional tensions arising from expressing one's sexuality as an elder. Some of her respondents are older people who have worked through the wounds of earlier years and are ready to "get it on." The courage expressed by the women and men who have survived betrayals and violence, and not abandoned the human connection of sexual play is inspiring. Those sections are a welcome restorative to the culture-wide notion that older folks are dead below the waist. I respect Ms. Price for not limiting her sample to conventional couples -- a few of her respondents practice BDSM, are polyamorous, or live in non-traditional arrangements. For me though, the sections about seniors who are dealing with the downsides of aging are particularly rich. Several chapters which describe with declining libido (whether resulting from emotional stresses, illness, or the side effects of medication), declining physical capability -- ED and EDis, vaginal dryness and tearing, consequences and complications of chemotherapy and surgeries -- also provide resources to help. The chapter on partners with Alzheimer's is worth the cost of the book. Books written from a more youthful perspective would not discuss sexuality in facing long-term illness, death and grieving. I particularly liked the wide variety of ways offered to bring up and negotiate complex, risky, and often embarrassing or painful topics with a partner. Noteworthy is a chapter devoted to safer sex and STDs; the statistics for sexually active seniors are sobering, and the insistence on being responsible about fluid barriers and blood tests is sensible. Ms. Price is very open about her own history in addressing the joys and pains of a romantic and sexual relationship which began when she was fifty-seven, her grief at death of her lover, and her life afterward. If you're under fifty, this book will both reassure you and alert you about your future. If you're over fifty, read this book to learn you are not alone in coping with the challenges of aging, and to find resources, especially medical advice and support groups. The overall message is that love, particularly sexual love, does not disappear in the face of aging, sickness, and death.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful? Wow, knowledge really does empower!, June 28, 2011
This review is from: Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex (Paperback)
Things began to change a few years ago around the time I hit 60. Most of my friends talked about their aging in an accepting manner - "Oh well." We were like innocent pre-teens beginning puberty without the information and guidance we now know is so important. "Naked at Our Age" is a game changer, full of specifics from very personal stories addressing delicate issues with honest, practical advice by professionals who know and care. Yes, it's frank, but there's no time for anything less! Informative, timely, compassionate and downright brave: it refreshes the discussion of autumn romance and, yes, winter lovemaking. You'll find beautiful accounts expressing the joys of true love found at last and others describing the startling anguish over a loved-one lost too soon. This book is nothing less than a tribute, a coming-out party celebrating love and intimacy in our 60's, 70's, 80's, and beyond. It's the real deal. "Naked at Our Age" will soon be found on the nightstand of a generation experiencing the emotional and physical effects of aging. It will be discussed, at coffee klatches, golf courses and retirement communities across the land. It arrives just in time. The discussion is well underway, but until now lacked the focused, informative insights that Joan Price and her professionals provide. The baton has been passed from Masters & Johnson, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Ruth and the others to author Joan Price. Her work continues the social progress begun and advanced by these pioneers. Joan Price contributes another important step in the sexual liberation of her generation, freeing us from the myths of the past and inviting us into a vibrant and informed future. Bravo and thank you, Joan Price.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Real Deal, June 7, 2011
This review is from: Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex (Paperback)
Joan Price has written a clear, and intelligent book whose intent is to help seniors have successful sex lives. She is an enthusiastic coach and provides real life scenarios, concrete practices and clear thinking in a warm and supportive style. This is the book every doctor, therapist, nurse practitioner and sex-life counselor should read! I am so grateful to have found this book. Thank you, Joan.
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