THE bad news for Jamaicans over 50 and 60 years of age is that health challenges become more pronounced. But the good news is that they can still have a vibrant sex life, according to nutrition and lifestyle consultant, Dr Heather Little-White.

“There are several alternatives that can be pursued to enhance sex in the older years,” said Little-White who will be one of nine presenters at the two-day “Forever Young – health, nutrition and rejuvenation expo” which opens on Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston.

Giving a foretaste of her presentation, Little-White said: “Persons can exercise more, get counselling or try creative activities for intimacy such as petting, hugging and oral sex.”

She acknowledged that persons over 50 faced more health challenges that could affect their desire for and their ability to have sex.

“Diabetes and hypertension are common among persons in the 50, 60 and 70 age group. Some of the medications taken for these ailments might limit sexual desire,” she explained. “Persons might also not feel in the mood for sex if for example, they have a headache caused by hypertension. So it is a double whammy situation.”

Little-White argued, however, that she would encourage persons to explore their alternatives.

“Persons could also look at trying alternative medication rather than the regular medications. Alternative medications might have less side effects,” she said while cautioning that this would have to be done under close supervision with medical professionals.

She also suggested that more effort could also be made to control the disease as some persons still did not take the appropriate remedies to manage their health problems.

At Forever Young, Little-White will also address the issue of safer sexual practices among persons over 50.