How to Create Romance After 50

There are some prevailing stereotypes about people age 50 and over. One of them is that "older" people no longer have a desire for romance. This couldn't be further from the truth. No matter how old you are, you still have a need for physical and emotional intimacy. There are some simple, yet subtle ways that you can restore an air of romance in your marriage and stir up passion again.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Imagination
• Passion
• Playfulness

Igniting Passion After Age 50

1. Set a romantic atmosphere. Creating the perfect ambiance for an intimate mood requires just a few subtle touches. Cook a sumptuous meal for dinner and serve it on elegant china, with a bottle of bubbly sitting in an ice bucket nearby. To add to the sense of intimacy, make certain that the lights are dim and that there are inviting scents. A good idea may be to use a diffuser with ylang ylang, patchouli and other essential oils conducive to setting a romantic mood. Your bedroom should be even more engaging. Put fragrant flowers around the room and have decorative, scented sheets on. You need to make certain that any clutter has been removed, so that you and your mate won't lose focus. No television allowed during this special time together and telephones should be turned off. Let kids and grand-kids know that you will be "unavailable" until further notice.

2. Be alluring. You cannot expect to ignite excitement in your significant other if you dress in sloppy, unflattering clothes, have unkempt hair, wear no makeup and look generally unappealing. Sometimes, it's so easy to get into a rut, when you are over age 50 and have been together with somebody for awhile. The truth is that when you look good, you feel much better about yourself and it also makes you more attractive to your mate. Fix your hair stylishly, apply makeup to your face, wear sexy lingerie and put on some tantalizing perfume, whatever it takes to be enticing. You may also extend your efforts at self-improvement to getting in better physical shape. Not only will exercising regularly help you to look great, but it can extend your life and make you more limber and flexible, which can enhance your sex life.

3. Be playful with your spouse. Too often, people over 50, especially those who have been in long-term relationships, forget how important the art of playfulness can be. Be flirty. Give your spouse unexpected hugs, teasing kisses and don't underestimate the effectiveness of whispering "sweet nothings" in his ear. Laugh and have fun together. Few things are as sexy as a sense of humor. When you learn to be playful with your beloved, you feel more relaxed and open, which contributes to romance.

4. Change your pattern. Be imaginative. Do something out of the ordinary. If you do things the same old way you have always done them, it can make life dreadfully dull. For example, make surprise reservations at a hotel that offers special weekend packages that have perks, like a his-and-her spa treatment. Even at home, you can create romance by doing things like writing a love letter and leaving it on your spouse's pillow or periodically changing your sleeping location--or being the one to take the initiative, romantically, if you haven't usually done so. Just shaking up your routine a little bit can spice up your love life. You are never too old to do something different!

5. Make your partner feel appreciated. Never take your spouse for granted, just because the two of you are older. Resist the urge to nag him about trivial issues. Your man will be much more responsive to you, romantically, when you regularly compliment him.

6. Be vocal. Make your spouse aware of your specific needs and preferences, physically-speaking, and ask him to let you know what things he likes, as well. Some couples suffer from an inhibited romantic life, simply because they fail to communicate their wants to each other.

7. Get extra "help" from the doctor, if necessary. Statistics prove that men's libido often declines as they age and women who go through menopause may also experience a drop in sexual desire. There are prescription medications that can help with these problems, if there are no other underlying physical conditions that are the cause. If you don't like the potential side-effects that prescription drugs might have, there are other alternatives, such as acupuncture and specially-designed "devices" that could be used to help get romance back on track.