As Valentine's Day quickly approaches many seniors are thinking about what they sometimes strive to forget, namely that love, romance and sexual pleasure are intimately tied together and nearly impossible to separate. And according to medical doctors and relationship counselors, that's the way it's supposed to be. But the truth is, aging often seems to be a stumbling block for many couples who have bought in to the idea that as one gets older, sexual drive and physical pleasures naturally diminish. In reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, you might say, talk is cheap, but sexual performance and drive is certainly adversely affected by age - and every senior knows it. Wrong again. While advanced age can bring on a number of conditions that adversely affect sexual drive, and certainly sexual stamina, doctors tell us it has very little to do with sexual appetite or performance. And while many health conditions may regulate a senior's ability to participate in physical activity of many kinds, it doesn't preclude the ability to maintain a happy and healthy physical relationship with your partner - provided you know your limits, are aware of your health restrictions and, perhaps, know the right triggers to stimulate your natural passion and desire. Dr. Thurman Krispen and Dr. Norma Albus, leading physicians who specialize in senior health, say there are many myths about sex and aging. One that has been around for a long time is that you lose your interest in sex as you age. This myth causes many older adults to put sex on the sidelines as an insignificant and unnecessary part of life. But they contend sexuality is important as we age and can be even more fulfilling than when we were young. "Don't ever think that you're too old to enjoy intimacy," says Dr. Albus. "Don't venture into heavy physical activity of any kind without knowing your limitations. But even advanced seniors can alter their activity to fit their condition, provided more serious health problems don't prevent it." She says consulting your physician and discussing your plans is a good starting point to know what you can and can not do. But even senior's with serious health conditions can often alter their activities without cutting them out of their life altogether. Dr. Krispen agrees. "Impotence can be a huge concern to men over 60. But, the truth is that aging doesn’t cause the inability to maintain an erection. Conditions such as diabetes, heart or cardiovascular problems and neurological disorders can cause impotence as can certain medications. Impotence usually responds appropriately to the right kind of treatment, which may be as simple as reducing your intake of alcohol and quitting smoking," he advises. "Those over 60 who have suffered a heart attack or had to have a hysterectomy may also think that sexuality is beyond their enjoyment. The truth is, a heart attack can cause cutbacks in physical activity for awhile, but if you were sexually active before the attack, there’s no reason that you can’t experience fulfilling sexuality afterward with the proper treatment. A hysterectomy brings on menopause, but it doesn’t end your sexuality or prevent you from achieving an orgasm," adds Albus. SUPPLEMENTS FOR SENIORS In spite of their advice about age and sensuality, the doctors say there are individual cases where prescription supplements may be prescribed to help seniors who are having difficulties performing in the bedroom, depending on their health. Such popular brands as Viagra and Cialis are often prescribed to aging men to enhance their ability to developed maintain an erection. Senior women are sometimes also prescribed Viagra, but for different reasons of course.  Recent research indicates for some women, Viagra can help. A new study that finds women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants experienced a reduction in adverse sexual effects with use of sildenafil, the primary ingredient of Viegra. But prescription drugs can have unwanted side effects, and Krispen says there are alternatives which are safer and much more affordable, for example, proper diet and exercise. One of the most important and often overlooked components of a rewarding sex life is exercise. Regular exercise can pique sexual desire and make sex more enjoyable. Though definitions vary, "good sex" might be thought of as an act of intimacy that promotes health and well-being. Good sex provides significant physical and physiological benefits. Enjoyed in the context of a happy relationship, "sex boosts chemicals in the body that protect against disease," says Paul Pearsall, Ph.D., author of the book "Superimmunity."  Exercise improves circulation, which can have a great effect on sexual drive. Research also suggests that exercise, like sex, can help ease joint and muscle pain, combat depression, promote heart health and lengthen life span. FOODS THAT REALLY HELP It may sound too simple, but research indicates that certain foods actually can help you perform in the bedroom: Avocados Avocados actually helps female lubrication, and being packed full of vitamins and minerals, it helps with stamina too! Chocolate A well renowned symbol of love and passion with the added benefit of giving you a quick boost of energy. They say that women produce four times as many endorphins after eating chocolate than they do after a passionate kiss! Oysters Being high in zinc, it helps to improve sexual potency in men. Watermelon Watermelon is rich with citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow to the heart and genitalia, as well as to the rest of the body.  Citrulline is highly effective at relaxing blood vessels, producing an effect similar to drugs like Viagra. Result: Increased blood flow to your sexual organs. Note: citrulline is actually found in higher concentrations in watermelon rind than in the flesh, but there’s still plenty citrulline in the delicious flesh to make eating it worthwhile. Asparagus It contains vitamin E, believed to stimulate sex hormones which contribute to a healthy sex life and increased sexual powers. Bananas Bananas also contain potassium and B vitamins which are essential for sex hormone production. Chili peppers “Capsaicin,” a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings and raises our pulse, is responsible for the “heat” in chili peppers. This aphrodisiac food is also thought to release endorphins, which give our bodies a natural high. Some researchers believe that is the case with all “hot” foods. Garlic is another example of these aphrodisiac foods. Ginger Ginger root can be eaten raw, cooked, or crystallized. Ginger is a circulatory system stimulant which can increase sexual powers and desire. Nutmeg Chinese women believed that nutmeg was an aphrodisiac food and that it increased sexual desire, thereby contributing to procreation during fertility. A hallucinogenic effect can be produced by a large quantity of nutmeg. Finally, we found this "love potion" on the Internet. We don't know if it works or not, but we list it just for fun. Cognac Love Potion This is an old recipe that dates back to antiquity and it tastes great. It is known to unchain mad and unbridled passions and will whip the laziest of lovers into a tiger. A word of caution, not too much or else you will have a drowsy and sleepy tiger as opposed to a ravenously aroused sexual partner. 1/2 Liter of Dry White Wine 1/2 Liter of Cognac (or enough to fill a glass of Cognac) 30g of Cinnamon Sticks 1 Sprig of Vanilla 30g of Grated Ginger 50g of Maple Syrup 2 Quail Eggs Pinch of Grated Nutmeg (Prepare ahead by soaking cinnamon, vanilla and ginger in white wine for 48 hours.) Filter the mixture and then add maple syrup, quail eggs, cognac and nutmeg. Beat all ingredients together, let the mixture rest a few minutes, serve in a cognac glass. The quail eggs have a subdued and lighter taste than chicken eggs and are high in protein and amino fatty acids, which gives this concoction, the added benefit of nourishing you and keeping you alert. Remember, before venturing into unknown territory, it's always good to check with your physician first. It's better to be safe than sorry.