Book Review - “Dr. Ruth’s Sex After 50”

Since this blog is primarily for people over 50, you probably know who Ruth K. Westheimer, Ph.D., or “Dr. Ruth,” was. She passed away in July 2024. Dr. Ruth played a big role in bringing sex education to adults in the United States starting in the 1980s. In 2005, she and Pierre Lehu wrote a book titled, Dr. Ruth’s Sex After 50: Revving Up the Romance, Passion & Excitement (Quill Driver Books, Fresno, CA, 2005). It feels right to start the Sex and Aging Biomechanics blog by mentioning this book. It is the earliest one I have found that talks about specific exercises people can do to keep up their physical ability to have sex as they get older. The chapter most related to sex and aging biomechanics is “physical fitness,” which describes exercises to help people stay able to have sex. These exercises focus on hip and back strength, which help you control the movement and angle of your pelvis during sex. The book also includes Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. However, it mainly discusses Kegels for women and does not mention the possible sexual benefits for men. Overall, this book is an early and valuable addition to the conversation about sex and aging, and it is worth reading.