Oncefallen,
I always appreciate your posts because they're always very considerate and informative...
I'm sure there are adjustments with menopause but I just wanted to make sure the men here don't think women stop having sex after a certain age. *shrug* Maybe this is just me, but I think each gender runs into various complications as they get older that must be dealt with as a loving couple and I didn't want readers here to think that all the changes were because of the women. We all know that men often have their own struggles as well and the bottom line is that every change has to be handled with patience and understanding.
I had to smile at Gypsy's post. Here's another thing people don't want to think about but I do think it's important to know that life doesn't end after 35. I have spent over the last decade living primarily around seniors. I even lived near a huge retirement community which was known for (yes, I realize people will shudder but it does illustrate the point) statistically having the highest rate of STD's in the state because, according to one report, seniors often become more "carefree" as they get older.
The news report said that seniors often have more free time and money while also having fewer inhibitions because they're not worried about pregnancy or the kids walking in on them. There was a local hang-out that was known as the place where, as my Mom put it, "All the (senior-age) whores go," which often resulted in several "walks of shame" (via golf cart) the next day. Many were divorced or widowed and were out "playing the field" like they weren't able to do when they were younger and locked into more rigid situations.
I'm certainly not condoning such behavior (at any age), it was just very eye-opening to me about the lives of people at another stage in life.
Personally, when I hear about older married couples who are still very "active", I think it's pretty cool.
After all, in the end, don't we all wish we could be like that, too?