ED & starting over at 50

[VitD]

Hi
I am a divorced man (very long relationship & my only full on sexual partner ever ) early 50's and been having ED issues the past few years
just the odd occasion when i was married 8 years ago which i accepted then due to age and other circumstances (suffered with depression etc).

Even on my own i can struggle to get a decent erection on a regular basis but often wake up in the night more than once as hard as ever so after researching i think my issues are more physiological than physical
I had a brief evening with a "friend" over a year ago (after sex texting)where i could't manage to perform and i think it was due to confidence and attraction issues but...

A little while ago went away on a really good weekend with someone i absolutely think is amazing, we had a good time
ended up in the same room but was no kissing etc just fully clothed spooning/cuddling, although i was extremely turned on i did not get hard

This has now completely sent me over the edge and i have been a bit of a wreck the past few weeks.
I am so attracted to this woman and to not be able to get aroused has broken me, all the scenarios are now in my head for future encounters with anyone
what if it had gone further and we got around to being naked how would i even begin to explain that and she would never want to be with me again
how/when do i approach this subject if i begin to like someone again ?
i really dont want to rely on pills to get hard/maintain erections
maybe i have performance anxiety ...take anti depressants...that in turn can cause ED
my lack of experience sexually probably doesn't help matters as after such a long relationship i know i will be a bit anxious & lacking in confidence but with my wife 95% of the time it was great and i know i am good with foreplay etc i have confidence with that side
just thought i would ask on here as i will get a female point of view on how to approach matters with a new person when the time is right...when is the time right ?

this might sound a bit petty to many but seriously i have been an emotional wreck the past few weeks and even lost some work due to it playing on my mind so much and not being on the ball

any advice is appreciated

TIA

Plant based foods don't contain the artery clogging fat and cholesterol which dairy and other animal products contain. Studies found that normal sexual function returned to most men who ate less saturated fat and cholesterol (both of which are abundant in animal products) and more fiber (only found in plant foods). The best way to keep the blood pumping is a plant-based diet. Sadly the average doc will tell you to "eat a balanced diet" ie ensure your diet includes food like substances that will keep my industry profitable.

www.pcrm.org/news/blog/diet-away-erectile-dysfunction

www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/what-causes-erectile-dysfunction-how-reversed/

www.ornish.com/zine/heart-disease-shouldnt-turn-sex/

Dean Ornish is an American cardiologist and professor. He helped Bill Clinton reverse his heart disease. BC is the only one of member of his own family to have reached... can't remember now 55 or so. Basically, they all had heart disease and he believed it was a hereditary disease until he read Dean Ornish's book.

www.ornish.com/zine/cnn-dr-ornish-wolf-blitzer/

www.ornish.com/zine/the-daily-mail-i-wanted-to-see-my-grandkids-grow-up/

Agree with PPs that the important thing is to talk about it: to avoid your partner feeling confused/rejected. By 40s women realise this is common so any reasonable/decent person would understand

Re pills etc: your body, your choice