The old adage "aging gracefully” is relative. What is graceful for some is not for others. I have found that it is very different for men and women. What happens when we age, besides the obvious laugh lines, or as I prefer calling them "wisdom lines”?

Aging for women brings on confidence, self assurance, energy, drive, knowledge about who they are and a higher sex drive. (More women over 40 open up their own business, change careers and/or go back to work)

Aging for men, brings on loss of sex drive, they are content in their jobs, what they've attained, so this allows them to feel the need to slow down, their desire to relax is greater which brings on an overall feeling of "contentment” and they don't feel like trying new things….. and they are wondering what happened to their significant other.

This also coincides with children leaving for college, moving out and the couple that remains are strangers, literally in the night.

What a cosmic joke that this occurs and it's hormones that truly plays a huge part in this rise and fall (pardon the pun) in the sexes.

As estrogen lowers in women, their testosterone rises (bringing the ambition, drive and libido) where as for men, their testosterone lowers, their estrogen rises and it brings on a sensation of wanting to "settle” down and nurture.

So while men feel the need to slow down, their significant other wants to spread her wings and fly…..so, this scares and intimidates Mr. Slow down…and rather than discussing it, he thinks a younger body and adoration is the answer.

This is a wondrous time for women over 40 and explains why all of a

Complications arise as you find yourself attracted to the 29 year old in accounting and feel shame, desire and wonder. This desire can many times lead to affairs of the heart and cause anguish and pain, however, that is a choice only you can make, no judging here as unless I have walked in your shoes, I cannot judge!

So, for all you lucky single woman over 40, stop wondering, pondering and just revel in this wonderful explosion of energy, drive and desire….Indulge in what your body and mind needs and that is the adoration and respect that a younger man will give you.

He is enticed, intrigued and wants to learn….something that men in your age group for the most part no longer desire as they're "content” with what they've conquered, learned and now want to wind down in their lazy Boys!

Terri Giosia