Common symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse should be kept in mind, says AASECT-certified sex therapist supervisor Rose Hartzell, PhD, LMFT. And this is the case whether you’re getting busy alone or swimming in shared sheets. “Because of the vulvar changes that occur during menopause, it’s important to see a gynecologist or sexual medicine doctor that is part of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) for medical management of these symptoms,” she says. “Due to various orthopedic issues that are more likely to occur with age, you also may need to also be creative in finding comfortable positions during sexual activity.” A certified pelvic floor therapist can also aid in working around muscular or vaginal discomfort during sex, she adds.
Ahead, sex therapists share their recommendations for the best sex toys for seniors to enjoy that gift that keeps on giving, so you can keep on… well, you know.
What to consider
If you’re on the market for a new toy or two, here are a few common features to keep in mind:
Your own comfort
It’s natural for your body to get a little less flexible and adaptable as you age. But a decrease in dexterity doesn’t need to mean a decrease in a healthy sex life. When you choose sex toys and products with your new physical limitations in mind, you can maximize your pleasure. Buying a toy mount that uses a wide pillow base for stability or attachments that aid in your grip strength can enhance your sessions—and probably make them more frequent, if that’s your jam.
Settings and features
People with vulvas often experience lower sensitivity to stimuli as they go through changes in the vagina with age, says Hartzell, so it’s a good thing to set your sights on sex toys that will really bring out that lovin’ feeling. In other words, try picking a powerful vibrator with various vibration and intensity settings so you won’t miss out on riding the waves of pleasure.
Ergonomic design
Sometimes conditions like arthritis or other physical limitations can come about in your later years and impact your ability to get ~creative~ in the bedroom, especially when it comes to involving toys. Luckily, many new and innovative models offer an ergonomic and accessible design that makes them easier to hold, use, and enjoy. Look for toys with a longer handle to grip, finger or wrist straps, or even hands-free toy options like a universal pillow harness.
How we chose the best sex toys for seniors
Women’s Health editors consulted two certified sex therapists to determine what factors make the best sex toys and products for seniors. We also researched the bestselling, most popular sex toys for all age groups and combed through testing notes and high-tech features to narrow down the top four picks. Each option on this list was ranked based on key qualities like design, unique settings, and ease of use. Read on to discover the best sex toys for seniors, according to experts.
“/>
Pros
- Features 12 vibration modes
- Discreet
- High-tech features
Cons
- Doesn’t have a handle
Some days, the less effort you have to put into your solo sex sessions, the better. If you’re looking to make the most out of masturbating with the least amount of input, Labanz suggests trying a suction sex toy like the SONA 2 Cruise. Air-pulse sex toys use just that—air—to stimulate the clitoris without needing direct contact.
Cult favorite (and WH editor-approved) vibrator brand LELO has stepped up their game with this model, which offers both a wider range of intensity settings and a larger surface area on the mouth of the toy. Plus, the toy’s Cruise Control feature saves a reserve of battery to ensure that your vibrator won’t die mid-session. You’d be hard-pressed to find an easier-to-use toy than this one.
| Settings | 12 modes |
|---|---|
| Type of product | Clitoral vibrator |
| Material | Silicone |
Pros
- Features 23 different modes
- Easy to hold
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not the quietest product
People with vulvas become less sensitive to stimulation as they age, especially in the clitoris, says Hartzell. That may sound like a bummer, but thankfully there are plenty of powerful toys on the market that can counteract this impact and help you have an orgasmic time, every time. If this sounds like your experience, you might want to try would be an ultra-powerful, air-pulse clitoral vibrator like the Satisfyer Pro 2, suggests Labanz.
This cult-favorite model offers 11 powerful air wave vibration settings to choose from, and it’s even waterproof, so you can enjoy a little fun during your shower routine. Unlike the Sona, this one also features a handle that can allow you to move the toy more easily.
| Settings | 11 speeds and 12 modes |
|---|---|
| Type of product | Clitoral vibrator |
| Material | Silicone |
Pros
- Can be used with products you already own
- Adaptive
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not compatible with smaller vibrators
Don’t underestimate sex furniture‘s ability to make (solo) sex more comfortable and even more pleasurable. The BonBon Mount by Liberator is designed to help folks who might prefer a hands-free experience—and best of all, it’s discreet enough not to raise any questions from houseguests.
Hartzell recommends this pleasure product if you’re looking for a sturdy yet comfortable way to enjoy any sex toys you already have. This pillow mount features a slot in the middle so you can simply place your favorite wand or dildo inside and (comfortably) ride off into the sunset of pleasure.
| Settings | N/A |
|---|---|
| Type of product | Sex furniture |
| Material | Velvet casing |
Pros
- Features 20 vibration modes
- Budget-friendly
- Mimics cunnilingus
Cons
- Noisy
Whether or not they have partners, many people with vulvas can admit that there’s nothing like a little bit of oral stimulation a la cunnilingus. The tongue can work wonders in a short amount of time, but thanks to innovations in modern sex tech, you don’t even need another tongue handy to do the trick.
Hartzell suggests a toy like this one, which focuses on deep stimulation without any penetration. This is because, as you age, you might notice changes in your vagina and a decreased sensitivity to penetrative stimulation you once responded to, she says. And at just $50, this oral sex simulator is more affordable than many suction vibes on the market.
| Settings | 20 modes |
|---|---|
| Type of product | Clitoral vibrator |
| Material | Silicone |
Meet the experts:
- Julie Labanz, CST, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and founder of Be Known Therapy.
- Rose Hartzell, PhD, LMFT, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist supervisor in San Diego.
Shop more sex toys and vibrators:
Lexi Inks (she/her) is a lifestyle journalist based in Jacksonville, Florida. She has reported on countless topics, including sexual wellness, astrology, relationship issues, non-monogamy, mental health, pop culture, and more. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has been published on Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Well + Good, Byrdie, Popsugar, and others. As a queer and plus-size woman with living with mental illness, Lexi strives for intersectionality and representation in all of her writing. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Jacksonville University, which she has chosen to make everyone’s problem.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
