Love, Lust, and Laughter

Love, Lust and Laughter - 08.19.20

Dr. Ashley Mader (www.OurShine.org) and Dr. Diana explored the connection between cannabis and sex, and whether cannabis might be right for you, the risks and rewards, and some dos and don’ts. In Dr. Diana’s book Love in the Time of Corona, the value of being silly, playful, and in the moment are keys to a more enjoyable sensual and sexual connection with your partner. Of course, you don’t have to be high on cannabis to act silly or playful, but it can help some people to loosen up. It’s important to know the law and practice informed consent. In Dr. Ashley’s practice in Massachusetts she has clients from 18 to 80 years of age, and more than half of them use pot in some form – for pleasure, for sleep, to alleviate anxiety/stress, and for medicine, perhaps to relieve pain. She mentioned a study by Dr. Becky Lynn, St. Louis University, where women reported better orgasms when high. This can serve to strengthen the couple’s bond. The feelings of euphoria generated by cannabis often lead to a sense of playfulness and may lower inhibitions, allowing for your playful self to emerge. This can be a journey of discovery: there is no set pathway for learning how to navigate this new territory; there is no destination to aim for. The bottom line is that sex is fun … it’s adult playtime for pleasure-positive experiences! There is more at www.DearDrDiana.com.

Love, Lust and Laughter - 08.05.20

Keeping sex alive for life! Dr. Diana is a gerontologist and was joined by Dr. Ashley Mader (www.OurShine.org) who focuses on older adult sexuality (as she did in her Ph.D. dissertation). Dr. Diana worked with Dr. Walter Bortz, MD (author of Dare to Be 100) in the early 1990s on aging and sexuality studies, and was later published in medical journals. Both Dr. Diana and Dr. Ashley tackled outdated expectations and promoted new ways to celebrate sexuality throughout the later years.

 

Within the COVID-19 crisis, there are new challenges and opportunities. “Pandemic sex” is exciting because being sexual is a reminder that one is still alive and feeling so alive! Making the most of the lockdown can deepen a (senior) sex relationship and offer health benefits as well. Putting sex on the calendar, keeping it playful, using mindfulness, incorporating fantasy, and how to get going when you don’t feel the urge—all were discussed (and all are detailed in Dr. Diana’s book Love in the Time of Corona). Dr. Ashley has some older clients who are into kink and the poly lifestyle. This brings them more dopamine, the hormone of arousal! Novelty stimulates the release of dopamine, so, change the pattern, change the place, change your approach, change your response, change your style. Tune in for more details! Dr. Ashley will return to the program August 18th when the topic of cannabis and sex will be explored.