Meryl Streep’s new film, Hope Springs, focuses on a topic that’s near and dear to the hearts of many women in our Divabetic community: sex after 50!
For those who haven’t seen the movie (yet), here’s a brief synopsis: Like many empty-nesters, Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) have settled into a comfortable but mind-numbing, soul-destroying routine. He goes to work every morning as an accountant, albeit with retirement plans not far off. She takes care of the house and earns a little extra money from a part-time job in a clothing store. While he’s resigned to the status quo, she wants more, in fact, she wants a different life that includes a loving relationship and — if it’s not too much to ask — a little action in the bedroom. Seeking the help of a marriage counselor seems the only way to salvage whatever is left of their former bliss.
This is unusual since many women living with diabetes actually admit to having little or no desire for sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example, cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.
Talking about intimacy between older people has never been easy in our youth-oriented culture. Hopefully, this is changing now in response to demographic shifts. At Divabetic, we strive to expand the topics of traditional diabetes education to include discussions about ‘love and intimacy.’
Although problems in real life doesn’t always resolve themselves as quickly as they do in the movies, loss of desire can often be put right. You need to look carefully at the causes of the problem – preferably with the loving cooperation of your partner. There aren’t usually any quick fixes.
Let the film, Hops Springs and Meryl Streep’s performance inspire you to talk more openly about this subject with your partner and/or healthcare professional.
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Let Mr. Divabetic help to inspire you overcome aversions to fruits and vegetables you think you don’t like, and even learn to love them with his new food game, Serve, Taste or Trash.
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Tags: Academy Award Winners, celebrity gossip, Celebrity News, diabetic, lack of desire, new movies, sex, sex after 50, women diabetes, women health
