The election cycle uniquely spikes stress levels, especially for aging Boomers already navigating life’s uncertainties and responsibilities. With rampant political discord always heated and social media fueling the fire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But while we can’t predict the outcome, we can control one area of life: managing stress. Interestingly, the key to handling election anxiety might be rekindling lust, love, and connection within our relationships.

“Sex is the driving force on the planet. We should embrace it, not see it as the enemy.” — Hugh Hefner

As Boomers age, sexuality may take on a different form, but that doesn’t make it any less vital. Maintaining a healthy intimate life provides psychological safety, which is crucial during times of stress and uncertainty. Lust and love are not just fleeting emotions; they create lasting bonds that offer emotional security. When the outside world feels chaotic, a satisfying relationship can be a haven where both partners feel understood, supported, and cherished.

For aging adults, intimacy is deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. Relationship satisfaction plays a pivotal role in how well we cope with stress. Couples who maintain strong connections often experience less anxiety and more resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability — whether it’s an election cycle or a personal challenge. Feeling emotionally and physically close to a partner helps reduce the isolation that stress often brings. A supportive, loving relationship creates a foundation of trust, making it easier to deal with external pressures.

Sexuality, even as we age, is not just about physical acts but also about maintaining a deep emotional connection. Intimacy, in any form, releases feel-good hormones that help reduce stress and improve mood. Whether it’s through physical touch, affectionate gestures, or simply spending time together, love and lust contribute to overall happiness and psychological safety.

Here are a few tips for boosting intimacy, keeping that spark alive, and enjoying satisfying sex at any age:

• Communicate Desires: Open conversations about lust, love, and boundaries are essential. Talking about your needs and listening to your partner fosters trust and deeper connection.
• Prioritize Emotional Bonding: Emotional intimacy enhances physical satisfaction. Spend quality time together, engage in meaningful conversations, and show affection regularly.
• Embrace Aging: As bodies change with age, so do sexual needs. Be open to trying new ways to experience intimacy that reflect where you are in life.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise improves physical and emotional health, enhancing stamina and confidence in intimate relationships.
• Be Present: Practice mindfulness in your intimate moments. Being fully present with your partner heightens connection and deepens the overall experience of love and lust.

For Boomers navigating aging, multi-generational responsibilities, and the stresses of an election cycle — solid relationships and fulfilling intimacy can provide an anchor. By nurturing lust and love, we can enhance our relationship and face life’s uncertainties with a greater sense of calm and resilience.

The bottom line is that “getting it on” is good for us, regardless of age.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Aging Boomers Pursuing Lust, Love, and Relationships with Regina Koepp PsyD, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World — produced in collaboration with renowned, fair-minded subject matter experts who provide strategies that enhance critical thinking, increase civic engagement, and foster healthy pleasure to boost personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Dr. Regina Koepp, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, geropsychologist, and leader in mental health and aging. As founder and CEO of the Center for Mental Health & Aging, she is committed to enhancing the well-being of older adults.

Regina developed the only Dementia and Sexual Health Certification Course in the United States, spotlighting the intersection of cognitive decline and intimacy. A sought-after speaker, she contributes regularly to Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker. Her insights on aging, mental health, and sexual health have been featured in The New York Times, NPR, the Chicago Tribune, AARP, and more.