How to Cope With a Diminished Sex Drive at 55

Both men and women struggle with gradually decreasing sex drives as they age. This struggle becomes especially pronounced by age 55, when nearly all men have experienced some sort of erectile dysfunction resulting from a reduced sex drive, while many women are struggling with hormonal changes related to menopause. Luckily, the libido is not a static variable, meaning there are steps men and women can take to rejuvenate their sex drive despite these difficulties.

Talk about your sexual frustrations and reduced sex drives. It's a rare instance when both members of a couple experience a downturn in sex drive, so it's important that whoever starts to struggle first be open to discussion. Sexual frustration can lead to embarrassment, which will make reacquiring a healthy sex life even more difficult if the situation is not addressed.

Eat foods known for their powers in stimulating hormone production and sex drive. These include raw oysters, avocados, garlic, onions, chives, cinnamon and black pepper. Try also other seasonings like ginger and cayenne pepper.

Exercise three to five times a week. Exercise has been shown to improve sexual health. Make sure the workout is a cardiac exercise that gets your heart rate elevated for at least 30 minutes.

Drink moderately. Many individuals turn to alcohol in hopes that drinking will stimulate sexual arousal, but alcohol actually induces erectile dysfunction by and large, and men struggling with impotence will be more sensitive to alcohol's effects.

Ask your doctor if a prescription medication is an option for you. If you continue to have problems being aroused or obtaining an erection, there are medications such as Viagra and Prozac available to both men and women.