"Attitude trumps technique," says celebrity psychologist and sexpert Dr. Dorree Lynn, PhD about the one thing she hopes readers will take from her new book, Sex for Grownups: Dr. Dorree Reveals the Truths, Lies & Must-Tries for Great Sex After 50. One of America's foremost sex experts, Dr. Dorree, as she prefers to be called, focuses on life as a Baby Boomer in her books and on her popular "Fifty and Furthermore" website. Her newest book, co-authored with Cindy Spitzer, dares to peek between the sheets of adults having sex well into their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
Take a New Look in the Mirror, Baby Boomers
Top among the words of advice that Dr. Dorree offers readers in Sex for Grownups is to embrace their new, older and arguably sexier selves. Despite the aches, pains and developmental issues that aging brings on, many Boomers are working hard to remain physically and sexually healthy. The advent of the internet means that access to health and medical information is far greater than previous generations enjoyed and the average life expectancy in the U.S. is increasing.
With that new information come new confidence and the need for a new view of aging and sexuality, including a willingness to try new sexual tips and tricks – plenty of which Sex for Grownups offers.
"The truth is that we remain sexy forever," Dr. Dorree says. "The lie is that sexuality remains the same as when we were younger. The must-try, which is easy to say, harder to do is that an attitude change makes all the difference; our brains are our major sex organs. Understanding this requires adding new previously unused tools to our tool boxes and requires learning new skills."
Sex Tips for Single Baby Boomers
Sex for Grownups also tackles issues of reentering the dating scene for newly single Baby Boomers; medical and technique alternatives for managing the affects that arthritis, diabetes, prostate issues and other conditions have on mature sex; and the fact that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in the over-50 set. A 2005 study by the Centers for Disease Control concluded that men and women 50 and older accounted for 19 percent of all AIDS diagnoses, 29 percent of persons living with AIDS, and 35 percent of all deaths from AIDS.
"It’s time to change our attitudes toward what goes on in nursing homes and retirement communities," Dr. Dorree says frankly. "If we allow teenagers and college aged students to pick their roommates, have sex with no supervision, offer them condoms and give them ‘do not disturb’ signs to put on their doors, why treat our mentors with less respect?"
Rockin' Boomers Don't Take Aging Sitting Down - Lying Down, Perhaps
While books on aging and sexuality are a dime a dozen, Dr. Dorree asserts that Sex for Grownups stands out from the rest on the bookstore shelves.
"This book is unique because it speaks to an underserved population hungry for information that is positive, juicy and real," Dr. Dorree says. " It focuses on attitude and confirms that over 50, your brain is your biggest sex organ. It is permission giving and written with humor and believes that those of us over 50 are still rockin’, and we don’t mean in a chair. "
Dr. Dorree has more than 40 years of experience as a relationship and sex psychologist. Her "On the Couch" segment is seen on AARP TV's My Generation program and she has appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America," MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, PBS and VH1.
Devan Stuart - Devan Stuart is a longtime journalist and five-time Florida Press Association Award winner.
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