What does intimacy mean to a senior?

B

bin there dun that

New member
I'm taking an online course Biological and Psychosocial Aging. This is just one of the questions. All seniors' answers are appreciated. Thank you.
Dear NBookwor: I HAVE been researching the term intimacy aside from trying a question here on Y! I haven't asked a question here in ages and just wanted to try it out. Relax! These good people who are giving me their time and interest aren't going to take away your job.
 
The word intimacy means different things to different people and cultures. When I was young it meant being very close to someone (today's youth might call in informal) on first name terms perhaps rather than the formal Mr. Mrs. or Miss. It does not necessarily have anything at all to do with sex. To differentiate the different meanings the older generation would say sexual intimacy if that is what they actually meant and if they had the courage to use a word with 'sex' in it. I have a relative in her mid-90s and she has never come to terms with the free way in which people discuss 'intimate' things these days and any outward show of that kind of intimacy would make her toes curl !!
 
Intimacy means the same thing to me now as it did when I was young. Nothing has changed. I still like the same things I always did. In relationships it may take me a little longer to get where I'm wanting to go than it did years ago but the important thing is that I get there.
 
Intimacy - for me is a private matter.

My husband and I have been best friends - lovers - soul mates - married since 1957.

Together we raised a happy resourceful family.

We have 16 grandchildren and also 10 great grandchildren.

We are 76 and still very much in love.

I have heard it said - that in time - passion/intimacy - may go from passion to compassion. Could be. We'll see.

Many good answers.
DeeJay.
 
The meaning of intimacy has never changed for me...it means being able to let my guard down with someone without being afraid that they'd reject me if they really knew me....sex has nothing to do with it...it never did.
 
My wife gets off work at 11 pm and on her break at 8 she told me to run her a bath she can jump into when she gets home, that works for me.
 
Unless you are conducting your own survey, I would recommend that you go to the library and do research on what has been determined through studies and reported in journals and reference materials. Just asking around isn't research, because anybody here could tell you anything they like, and you will have learned absolutely nothing, PLUS you can really make a fool of yourself in front of your instructor.
 
I think Toms right. I think my version of intimacy hasn't changed. It still means someone who will really listen to me. Care about what I'm saying. Touch, hug, when I indicate I need it.
As for sex, it may be less explosive, or less often, but especially in a long term relationship it's the same.
 
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