Customer Reviews

Sex and the Aging Male: Understanding and Coping with Change

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The title of this book might lead some to believe it is meant only for men to read. Not so! While it might perhaps be of more immediate concern to men, women should also read it, if they are in a relationship or want to be in one. It would be especially helpful to those who've not been in a physical relationship for a while, and wonder what to expect should such a situation occur.

This book will go a long way toward easing concerns from older people of either sex. After all, if human life expectancy has nearly doubled in the last fifty or so years, then why should the sexual expectancy stay the same as it once was? It certainly won't stay that way once the boomers hit 70 and up!

In a very readable style, Dr. Birch explains matters with clarity in a casual, loving and even--sometimes (when appropriate)--witty manner, all the while being comforting to those who aren't quite certain of what their future holds. His frank language leaves no room for quibbles, as it shouldn't. Ambiguity serves no purpose in this kind of discussion. In fact, ambiguity or euphemisms might well hinder the well-meant search for honesty--in both questions and answers, for either male or female readers.

Actually, now that I've finished the book, the only niggle I have is with the title. It could as easily have been `Sex and the Aging Human Body'. With great even-handedness, the author discusses the sexual psychology of both sexes, clearly delineating the various hindrances to be found along life's highways. Any one, of any age, actually, could benefit from reading this book. After all, most people will someday reach the age of being happy to have such common sense advice available to them.

Informative chapters at the back of the book provide information about Sex Therapy and how to find such a therapist should you need one, as well as the Professional Associations which guide this specialty. There is a self questionnaire with reasonable solutions where feasible, and a selected bibliography. Dr. Birch also lists his own books on various topics.