Sex is an important part in many women’s lives and plays a key role in every romantic relationship. While there’s a preconceived notion that our sex life disappears after a certain age, that doesn’t have to be the case. Our sex life just looks different as we age.

There are changes many women undergo as we get older that have an impact on how we respond to sexual activity, including loss of desire, pain with sex, sexual function, stamina, and hormone levels.

While these changes may make engaging in enjoyable sex more difficult, it’s important women understand the changes they’re going through and learn how to overcome any challenges to continue having a happy and healthy sex life. 

What Changes Affect Sexual Function?

Because of ageism, it’s assumed that when people hit a certain age, they stop having sex. However, this is far from the truth considering 65% of seniors between the ages of 65 and 80 report still being interested in sex or are sexually active. Sex does not have an age limit, but it’s important for women to be aware of the changes that typically occur to our bodies that can impact our sex lives. 

Many physical changes first appear when women begin going through menopause and estrogen levels begin to decrease, creating vaginal dryness, lack of energy and changes in mood, all of which influences desire and sex drive. Anorgasmia, or difficulty reaching an orgasm after stimulation, can also be something women experience during menopause. 

Additional changes women should look out for include:

• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder – this presents as a loss of desire or decreased sexual libido (the most common sexual dysfunction among women).
• Pain with sex – caused by genital changes due to menopause or not enough lubrication. 
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause – caused by a loss of hormones, specifically estrogen. 

Various medical conditions including arthritis, dementia, high blood pressure, chronic stress, diabetes, anxiety, or depression can also impact an individual’s sex life as they age. The medications prescribed for these conditions can further impact libido, so it’s important to talk to your medical provider if you believe this is the case.

Issues That Can Arise If Sexually Active

There are some issues women over 60 should look out for if sexually active. If you’re experiencing less intense orgasms or general arousal issues, you may want to get your heart checked out. These are two tell-tale signs of cardiovascular disease, which often develops 7 to 10 years later in women than in men and is still a major cause of death in women over the age of 65 years.

Another health concern to be mindful of is sexually transmitted infections. While pregnancy isn’t a factor anymore once a woman reaches menopause or opts to receive a hysterectomy or tubal ligation, women may no longer feel the pressure to use a condom.

However, just because you can’t get pregnant, doesn’t mean you can stop practicing safe sex. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the number of cases of gonorrhea rose 164% among Americans aged 55 and older between 2014 and 2018, while cases of syphilis rose 120% in this population, and chlamydia rose 86%.

Getting tested when engaging in intercourse with new or multiple partners is highly recommended to provide peace of mind for yourself and your sexual partners.

Maintaining a Healthy Sex Life

While vaginal dryness and pain during sex can deter women from engaging in sex, there are a range of treatment options to alleviate discomfort and make sex enjoyable again. There are vaginal estrogen suppositories such as Dehydroepiandrosterone, which are effective in treating vulva and vaginal dryness.

Women can also use hyaluronic acid suppositories that serve as a lubricant to retain moisture and prevent dryness. Another option is local hormone therapy, which often consists of a vaginal cream or suppository. This treatment is optimal in getting vaginal tissue replenished to build up the lining of the vagina and help create lubrication and is a much safer option than hormone replacement therapy.

Low libido can be caused by life changes including menopause and illness, on top of psychological causes such as mental health issues, stress, and poor body image. However, there are ways women can overcome these obstacles and increase their sex drive.

Women are encouraged to talk to a sex therapist or counselor who is well-versed on sexual issues and can provide education on sexual response techniques. A sex therapist can also provide reading materials or couples exercise recommendations that can help increase feelings of sexual desire.

For those that are on antidepressants, switching to bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) usually improves sex drive and can be prescribed for women with sexual interest/arousal disorder. Engaging in exercise, openly communicating with your partner, and reducing your intake of alcohol and drugs, can all enhance your sex drive and improve your overall health. 

Additional ways to manage a healthy sex life throughout your life center around your needs and relationship with your partner, including:

• Be open to changing your definition of sex
• Have open communication with your partner
• Try sex therapy 
• Consult with your doctor

Intimacy is an important part of any romantic partnership through all stages of life. Although the physical changes our bodies undergo as we get older force us to enjoy sex differently, women are still able to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life by paying attention to their bodies and making adjustments that can improve sexual function and desire.

How has your sex life changed since menopause? Which issue has been the most persistent? What has your doctor recommended? Does it work? Please share with the community!

Alright, hear me out—I know it’s only September and technically still summer, but you should order your December beauty advent calendars now. If you wait until November, your faves might be sold out and that’s not the way you want to start the holiday season.

The secret about beauty advent calendars is that they’re great deals. Whether want to try your go-to skincare brand’s entire product line or do a mix-and-match of famously good beauty products, you can get 12 or 24 items for a fraction of the full retail price. Plus, they’re fun. If you have a collector’s mindset or get a burst of serotonin whenever you unbox one item, you should definitely add an advent calendar to your cart. It’s basically 24 days of presents to yourself (or the loved one you gift it to).

We founded up the 10 best beauty advent calendars that are either available right at this very moment or can be preordered. And because we love finding amazing deals, we found a few advent calendars that you will literally save hundreds of dollars on—we’re not kidding. Scroll down to find out which ones we’re talking about. We also found some budget-friendly advent calendars that are under $20, which are perfect early holiday gifts.

The advent calendars below encompass the wide range of beauty products out there, from nail polish to skincare. No matter what you’re into, you can get a set that’ll fuel your obsession. And you’ll want to keep an eye on this list—we’ll be updating it periodically leading up to peak advent calendar szn.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. QVC is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of bareMinerals.

bareMinerals

If you live for clean beauty, this advent calendar is a must-have. Inside, you’ll find everything from gel cleansers to liquid lipsticks, so you’ll have both your skincare and makeup stash refreshed for the new year.

Courtesy of LookFantastic.

LOOKFANTASTIC

This advent calendar is available only available for preorder, but you shouldn’t wait until October 1 to order, because it will definitely sell out. Boasting $500 worth of beauty products this cal includes heavy-hitters like NARS, Kate Somerville and Shiseido, it’s the gift that keeps on giving (until Christmas).

Courtesy of NYX.

NYX

NYX has gathered up its most popular products for this star-studded advent calendar. We don’t even know what’s in this advent calendar, but NYX has teased that it will feature full-sizes…

Courtesy of SpaLife.

SpaLife

For this stressful season, add a little self-care and joy to your life with 12 days of surprise bath bombs. Each bath bomb is a different color and a unique scent.

Buy: SpaLife Fizzle All The Way Bath Bomb Advent Calendar $14.99

Courtesy of Ciaté London.

Ciaté London

You don’t only need to celebrate the holiday season with skincare and makeup advent calendars. This nail polish calendar includes 22 mini polishes, one full-size, a primer and a keepsake illustration. It’s a perfect gift for the person who always has their nails done.

Courtesy of Elemis.

Elemis

Skincare lovers rejoice—and add this advent calendar to your cart right now. It’s valued at $562 and is going for $250. It includes everything from a cleansing balm to an enzyme peel, so your skin can look holiday party-ready.

Courtesy of QVC Beauty.

TILI

If you want a variety of different brands and products in your advent cal, this is a great pick. You can add Sunday Riley, Peter Thomas Roth, Elemis and other luxury beauty brands to your daily routine.

Courtesy of ChapStick.

ChapStick

Alright, this isn’t quite an advent calendar, but if you use self-control, you can pull one ChapStick out of this pouch every day for 10 days straight. Enjoy holiday-icious flavors like Candy Cane and Holiday Cocoa.

Buy: ChapStick Holiday Storybook Holiday Flavored Lip Balm Gift Set $11.70

Courtesy of BeautyPro.

BeautyPro

This 12 Days of Christmask Advent Calendar includes SO many sheet masks for your face, eyes, hands and feet. You’ll be able to get some TLC before those holiday parties.

Courtesy of Rituals.

Rituals

Take the holiday season one day at a time with this 24-day calendar. It boasts shower products, a scrub glove and a number of mini candles. This is the perfect gift for the person who has a hard time relaxing in November and December.

I’m not trying to brag too much here, but I’m pretty certain that I have one of the coolest, most enviable jobs around. Reason being? I scour the internet for the best shopping deals and coolest trends every day, and get to test out so many amazing new clothing pieces, beauty products, and home goods. I’ve been a shopping writer and editor for a few years now, and have developed a knack for determining which products are worth every penny, and which ones are better left in the virtual cart. 

This month is all about stepping into the fall comfortably. Stores like Target are beginning to roll out their fall home lines and sites are seeing increased search interest in moisturizing and clarifying products (makes sense, given that temps are sadly going to plummet and the air is about to dry). Amazon’s Movers & Shakers page—a section that shows what items are rising in popularity—is filled to the brim with soothing lotions and oils. Google is being inundated with “fall fashion” inquiries and people on Pinterest are starting to search for pumpkin recipes and candles once more. 

My shopping carts fit the bill for these fall trends perfectly. I’m shopping for nourishing face masks, sleek platform loafers, and cozy throw blankets to start my cold weather months off the right way. Check out the eight essentials I’ll be buying this September below: 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

I don’t know what it is about spending so much time indoors, but ever since the pandemic began, my scalp has been a mess. I’ve experienced more dandruff and dryness these past two years than I have collectively my entire life. My one saving grace? This simple clarifying shampoo. It removes icky product build-up from dry shampoos and conditioners without stripping my hair of its natural oils. For best results, I swap this product with my typical purple shampoo once or twice a week. 

Courtesy: Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Loafer 

I’m of the belief that if you have a good pair of loafers, you can wear them across every season. I love the androgynous vibe of the shoes. They’re punk and sexy at the same time. Unfortunately, most quality pairs are a few hundred dollars. That’s why, when I found these Sam Edelman ones, I squealed out loud with glee. The Olivia Rodrigo-esque shoes platforms come in black, tan, or green and pair them with practically every dress or pair of pants you’ve got hanging in your closet. 

Courtesy: Target.

Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket

There is no problem that curling into a cozy throw blanket can’t solve. This is why at the beginning of every fall season, I gift myself a new one. I love the look of all things cable knit. The sophisticated design makes tops and accessories like this blanket, which is just $25, look so much more expensive than they are. 

Courtesy: Nest New York.

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle

It’s time for society to pass the point of calling everything pumpkin scented or flavored basic. Let’s all just agree that pumpkin anything is delicious and should be celebrated, not mocked. This September, I’m going all in on candles. Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle is everything I want to cover my space. The spice scent is decadent without being overwhelming. Plus, the candle itself is a warm orange. You can’t find a better fall candle than this. 

Courtesy: Mr. Coffee.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m fairly certain that this clever coffee invention was made for me. It ensures that slow sippers (moi) won’t ever have to deal with lukewarm drinks ever again. To use it, all you have to do is flip the switch on, and the base will warm your cup’s bottom and keep the liquids inside nice and hot. I’ll be keeping this accessory on my WFH desk at all times. 

Courtesy: Free People.

Free People Picnic Sweater Romper

This fall, I don’t want to wear anything that requires more than a little effort to put on. Jeans? Absolutely not. A button-up shirt? You’ve got to be kidding. Heels? Please, don’t make me laugh. But this sweater romper? Sign me tf up. It’s like wearing a stylish and socially acceptable set of onesie pajamas. I plan to keep it on at home during work and lounge time, then dress it up when I go out with tights and combat boots. It’s such a simple look, but those are the best ones to style again and again.  

Courtesy: PÜR.

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer 

There are very few people I trust with makeup advice. One of them is Rachel Nussbaum, InStyle’s beauty writer. She knows everything there is to know about the ingredients that comprise popular foundations, hairsprays, etc. Her vast knowledge comes with a lot of heartbreak. She often tells me (and her readers) of the harmful irritants that are too-often included in name brand products, so when there’s a brand she approves of, I take note. Rachel told me that Pur is on her list of A-Okay concealers, so I’m hopping on this 4-in-1 color corrector faster than a kid on a trampoline. It comes in 16 shades, costs under $25, and is free from the nastiness of phthalates, aluminum, and talc.

Courtesy: Summer Fridays.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I’m a writer living in New York. Translation: I don’t have an income that gives me the means to spend hefty amounts of cash on skincare (nor do I want to). Spending close to $50 on a face mask would physically and emotionally pain me if I didn’t already know and love this one so much. I’ve been using Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for years. It saved my skin when I was on Accutane, and continues to be my secret to non-greasy hydration. I’d say I have to stock up on it about every five months, and this September is one of them. I’ll be using it to prevent cracked winter skin, and before date nights or brunches to give me a Hailey Bieber-esque glow.

A friend who is 10 years younger than me and I have a running joke. Her mother sometimes disapproves of our joint outdoor adventures, so she will frequently say, “Mary Lou is old enough to know better,” all in a joking way.

Recently, I arrived at a rural venue for an ‘adventure run’. While running the trail through a pasture, a man I guessed to be about my age ran by and asked, “Aren’t we old enough to know better?” We laughed, and I replied, “Yes, but we are doing it anyway.”

As Older Siblings

It’s been many years since I first heard the phrase “old enough to know better” and I’m sure I have used it once or twice myself.

Probably beginning around age five, older siblings are asked to set a good example, to behave, because they are “old enough to know better.” Through our lives the phrase repeats, sometimes as we reproach ourselves for a poor decision.

A Movie Reminder

I thought of this phrase as well when I happened across the film Night Train to Lisbon starring the wonderful actor Jeremy Irons.

After an unexpected situation of saving a woman’s life, Irons’ character Raimund leaves behind his safe solitary life as a teacher in Bern, Switzerland, and boards a train to Lisbon, Portugal.

There he follows clues from a book to unravel the history of a resistance movement and in doing so transforms his own life. In late middle age, he was certainly old enough to know better than to behave so impetuously. But he did, and leaving behind a dull solitary life, he built a new one for himself.

So, Answer Honestly…

• Are we old enough to know better than take a journey that we seemed destined to take, to say “no” to our heart’s longing?
• Are we old enough to know better than to walk away from a safe but stultifying position?
• Are we old enough to know better than to move across the country, or to another country? What if we find we don’t really like the climate, or feel at home in the new location?
• Are we old enough to know better than to walk into a new romance, a new friendship, a new career? What if we are hurt, rejected or if we fail?

What’s Hiding Behind the Phrase

The phrase “old enough to know better” says to me that we know better than to take a chance, know better than to put our hearts out there (again), know better than to follow our longing for the life that could be ours.

We don’t need to be Raimund. After all, he seemed to be financially secure in a profession that is easily transferable to a new location and didn’t appear to have others dependent on him. Not all of us have such a situation.

Still, we can forget about fear and open ourselves to curiosity and exploration of this great big world, even if we just start with what is around our block.

My experience at the adventure run ended with a cut to my knee requiring a stop at the urgent care clinic for a few stitches. An unpleasant experience for sure, but I would not trade it for all the miles of trail running and hiking that I have enjoyed.

Yes, perhaps I’m old enough to know better, but curious enough about what is around that bend in the trail to keep moving.

Have you made decisions or faced situations where you were told “You’re old enough to know better”? If so, what was the outcome? Have you used the phrase “old enough to know better” when speaking with your children, your friends or a significant other? Let’s share a few laughs and stories that can inspire us to keep on doing it anyway.

I’m not trying to brag too much here, but I’m pretty certain that I have one of the coolest, most enviable jobs around. Reason being? I scour the internet for the best shopping deals and coolest trends every day, and get to test out so many amazing new clothing pieces, beauty products, and home goods. I’ve been a shopping writer and editor for a few years now, and have developed a knack for determining which products are worth every penny, and which ones are better left in the virtual cart. 

This month is all about stepping into the fall comfortably. Stores like Target are beginning to roll out their fall home lines and sites are seeing increased search interest in moisturizing and clarifying products (makes sense, given that temps are sadly going to plummet and the air is about to dry). Amazon’s Movers & Shakers page—a section that shows what items are rising in popularity—is filled to the brim with soothing lotions and oils. Google is being inundated with “fall fashion” inquiries and people on Pinterest are starting to search for pumpkin recipes and candles once more. 

My shopping carts fit the bill for these fall trends perfectly. I’m shopping for nourishing face masks, sleek platform loafers, and cozy throw blankets to start my cold weather months off the right way. Check out the eight essentials I’ll be buying this September below: 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

I don’t know what it is about spending so much time indoors, but ever since the pandemic began, my scalp has been a mess. I’ve experienced more dandruff and dryness these past two years than I have collectively my entire life. My one saving grace? This simple clarifying shampoo. It removes icky product build-up from dry shampoos and conditioners without stripping my hair of its natural oils. For best results, I swap this product with my typical purple shampoo once or twice a week. 

Courtesy: Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Loafer 

I’m of the belief that if you have a good pair of loafers, you can wear them across every season. I love the androgynous vibe of the shoes. They’re punk and sexy at the same time. Unfortunately, most quality pairs are a few hundred dollars. That’s why, when I found these Sam Edelman ones, I squealed out loud with glee. The Olivia Rodrigo-esque shoes platforms come in black, tan, or green and pair them with practically every dress or pair of pants you’ve got hanging in your closet. 

Courtesy: Target.

Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket

There is no problem that curling into a cozy throw blanket can’t solve. This is why at the beginning of every fall season, I gift myself a new one. I love the look of all things cable knit. The sophisticated design makes tops and accessories like this blanket, which is just $25, look so much more expensive than they are. 

Courtesy: Nest New York.

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle

It’s time for society to pass the point of calling everything pumpkin scented or flavored basic. Let’s all just agree that pumpkin anything is delicious and should be celebrated, not mocked. This September, I’m going all in on candles. Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle is everything I want to cover my space. The spice scent is decadent without being overwhelming. Plus, the candle itself is a warm orange. You can’t find a better fall candle than this. 

Courtesy: Mr. Coffee.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m fairly certain that this clever coffee invention was made for me. It ensures that slow sippers (moi) won’t ever have to deal with lukewarm drinks ever again. To use it, all you have to do is flip the switch on, and the base will warm your cup’s bottom and keep the liquids inside nice and hot. I’ll be keeping this accessory on my WFH desk at all times. 

Courtesy: Free People.

Free People Picnic Sweater Romper

This fall, I don’t want to wear anything that requires more than a little effort to put on. Jeans? Absolutely not. A button-up shirt? You’ve got to be kidding. Heels? Please, don’t make me laugh. But this sweater romper? Sign me tf up. It’s like wearing a stylish and socially acceptable set of onesie pajamas. I plan to keep it on at home during work and lounge time, then dress it up when I go out with tights and combat boots. It’s such a simple look, but those are the best ones to style again and again.  

Courtesy: PÜR.

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer 

There are very few people I trust with makeup advice. One of them is Rachel Nussbaum, InStyle’s beauty writer. She knows everything there is to know about the ingredients that comprise popular foundations, hairsprays, etc. Her vast knowledge comes with a lot of heartbreak. She often tells me (and her readers) of the harmful irritants that are too-often included in name brand products, so when there’s a brand she approves of, I take note. Rachel told me that Pur is on her list of A-Okay concealers, so I’m hopping on this 4-in-1 color corrector faster than a kid on a trampoline. It comes in 16 shades, costs under $25, and is free from the nastiness of phthalates, aluminum, and talc.

Courtesy: Summer Fridays.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I’m a writer living in New York. Translation: I don’t have an income that gives me the means to spend hefty amounts of cash on skincare (nor do I want to). Spending close to $50 on a face mask would physically and emotionally pain me if I didn’t already know and love this one so much. I’ve been using Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for years. It saved my skin when I was on Accutane, and continues to be my secret to non-greasy hydration. I’d say I have to stock up on it about every five months, and this September is one of them. I’ll be using it to prevent cracked winter skin, and before date nights or brunches to give me a Hailey Bieber-esque glow.