Routledge Couple Sexuality After 60: Intimate, Pleasurable, and Satisfying

Confronting taboos and misunderstandings about sexuality and aging, Couple Sexuality After 60: Intimate, Pleasurable, and Satisfying motivates couples to embrace sex and sexuality in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. The book busts two extreme myths―that people over 60 cannot and should not be sexual and that the best way to be sexual is to emphasize eroticism, using sex toys, and "kinky sex". Using a variable, flexible approach to couple sexuality based on the Good Enough Sex (GES) model, this book places the essence of sexuality in pleasure-oriented touching, not individual sex performance. Barry and Emily McCarthy introduce a new sexual mantra of "desire/pleasure/eroticism/satisfaction" with the goal of presenting a healthy model of sexuality to replace the traditional double standard that couples learn in young adulthood. Specific chapters focus on important areas like coming to terms with the new normal, female–male sexual equity, satisfaction being about more than intercourse and orgasm, valuing synchronous and asynchronous sexuality, psychobiosocial approaches to sexuality, and more. In addition to aging heterosexual couples, single individuals and queer couples will find this book interesting. Additionally, sexual health clinicians and sex therapists with clients over the age of 60 will find this a fascinating read. Review "Barry and Emily McCarthy have authored a number of outstanding texts concerning human sexuality for the general public. Their latest book, Couple Sexuality After 60, offers a compassionate understanding of sexuality in aging couples. It offers sophisticated yet practical advice. I encourage anyone over 60 to purchase, enjoy, and contemplate the wisdom offered by this respected internationally respected clinician." Robert Taylor Segraves, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry Case Western Reserve University, Editor Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy "Barry and Emily McCarthy have created yet another masterpiece! Skillfully guiding readers through the nuances of maintaining a satisfying sex life well into old age, the McCarthys’ steer professional and lay audiences alike through the myriad of misinformation, misunderstanding, and fallacies that haunt our views of sex and aging. Their writing style is clear and inviting. Their suggested exercises are thoughtful and practical. And their optimism regarding sex and aging is refreshing, wise, and sound. I know I will recommend this book to my aging patients, those with and without partners." Daniel N. Watter, EdD, Past President, Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) "This self-help book for seniors is the culmination of the authors’ highly productive writing partnership. A long married couple, the McCarthys provide guidance that revolves around two models: Good Enough Sex and Female–Male Sexual Equity. These well explained themes and their variations are delivered in a conversational style inspiring readers to rethink their previous sexual patterns, accept their regrets over past errors, and get right to a better, variable, sensual, pleasurable life, with or without intercourse. Their messages are wise: do not give up on sexual behavior and keep discovering your capacities!" Stephen B. Levine, MD, author of Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Sexual Problems: An Essential Guide for Mental Health Professionals "Couple Sexuality After 60 will surprise and enlighten readers of any age, but will prove most valuable to men and women hoping to enhance their sexual experience as they grow older. The McCarthys disprove many of the myths surrounding sex and aging. Even better, they offer their readers new perspectives, dismissing performance-oriented sex and embracing a realistic positive attitude towards couple sexuality in which 'intimate and erotic allies turn to each other and share pleasure.' Their focus on responsive desire, more genuine and human than the spontaneous desire associated with youth, is a highlight of the book." Katha