A reader sent these Lovemaking Tips for Seniors to me -- I don't know where they came from, though if you know, tell me -- I believe in crediting the author always. Please read them and my question to you at the end:
Lovemaking tips for seniors
1. Wear your glasses. Make sure your partner is actually in the bed.
2. Set timer for 3 minutes, in case you doze off in the middle.
3. Set the mood with lighting. (Turn them ALL OFF!)
4. Make sure you put 911 on your speed dial before you begin.
5. Write partner's name on your hand in case you can't remember.
6. Keep the polygrip close by so your teeth don't end up under the bed.
7. Have Tylenol ready in case you actually complete the act.
8. Make all the noise you want. The neighbors are deaf too.
9. If it works, call everyone you know with the good news.
10. Don't even think about trying it twice.
(This was sent [JP's note: in the original e-mail] in large type so you can read it.)
Now tell me -- are these tips funny? Are they insulting -- one more example of how our society stereotypes and ridicules seniors who are enthusiastic about sex? You tell me.
In my view they're clever, yes. But knowing how devastating it is to elders who lose their sexual ability without losing their emotional need for sex and intimacy, the tone is cruel. Or am I just a fuddy-duddy with no sense of humor about sex and aging? Educate me, readers. And please put your age on your comment so I see if the reactions are different for older readers.