Changes in Sexual Arousal from Aging Changes in Sexual Arousal from Aging Researchers have studied the physical and psychological responses during sexual arousal of both younger and older men and women. They have found that during sexual arousal the heartbeat, breathing rate, and blood pressure change and the skin may flush. There are changes in the genitals and in some nongenital areas. They also have found that sexual arousal is different in older men and women than it is in younger people. The physical responses to sexual intercourse given below are not absolutes.
Age is only one factor in sexual response.
For example, problems with getting or keeping an erection may be caused by diseases such as hardening of the arteries. Lessened sexual response in both men and women is sometimes caused by taking medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, or nervous disorders. The nipples of women under 50 become and stay firm, the breasts of women 51 to 60 swell less, and the breasts of women over 60 seldom swell. The colored, circular area surrounding the nipple swells, though less in older women than in younger women. The clitoris, the outer part of the vagina that can become erect, becomes firm in women even in their 70s.