Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Most people cringe at the thought of their parents having sex.

"Nobody wants to think about that. It's just ewe," 26-year-old Joshsaid, and according to Lifestyle consultant Dr. Heather Little-White, it's not an uncommon reaction even in children who are grown up and have sexual relationships themselves.

"There are certain positions that I have sex in and I know how great it can feel or how difficult it may be to get that position, just the thought of my parents having sex in that position, it's just gross," said 26-year-old Jamie.

This all stems from people's socialisation about sex. "Because of how they are socialised sex is seen as something for procreation [when it comes on to their parents]," said Dr. Little-White. She further explains that any form of sexual contact outside of that makes their offspring uncomfortable.

"To think of mother and father having, albeit in a marital union, oral sex is unheard of, " she stated.

According to Dr. Little-White, these thought process originates from the restrictions placed on sex by the church and society.Furthermore she said children believe that when their parents become elderly they just stop having sex.

"So if they think of a couple who are really getting it on they would raise an eyebrow," she said.

However, Dr. Little-White said adult children should not project their negative feelings about older people having sex onto their parents as it is a healthy behaviour.

"There's no danger to older age sex as compared to sex in the thirties," she said.

However, there are families who are more open about sexuality and conversations about sex are more open. "Boys and their fathers will talk more about sexual problems," she said while the same is true for girls and their mothers, especially when they have a close bond.

Dr. Little-White notes that adult children should play a major role in helping to maintain their parents' relationships by making sure they are well kept with regular manicures, pedicures, hair care and exercise to keep them fit and desirable to their partner.

"A lot of vacations spots cater to older couples as a niche market," because people have a higher life expectancy and this is the stage many couples can afford to take these vacations and build their relationship further. So allowing your parents to spend a weekend away together can contribute to their relationship, she notes.

Age no barrier to sex

According to a recent story on BBC website, old age is apparently not a barrier to the sex life of senior citizens in the United States. The article states that in a survey of 3,005 persons aged 57 to 85, a significant number said they were sexually active into their 70s and 80s. Of those who said they were sexually active, most said they were having sex at least two or three times a month. Half of those surveyed said they had oral sex up to the age of 75.

Among men, the most common problem was erectile difficulties. Fourteen per cent of the men said they used medicine or supplements to boost their sex lives.

Women experienced lack of desire, difficulty with lubrication, and inability to climax as their most common problems.

-Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6959977.stm