Love my wife but hate this forced celibacy...

I am a 56-year old man and have been married for almost 25 years. My wife and I have had no physical relationship for over a decade, which makes me upset because it feels as if she has given up on that aspect of our married life. We speak about it often, but she says she isn’t interested and wants me to accept that decision. This causes me a lot of pain because I don’t think I am too old and don’t believe a marriage is real if there is no intimacy. How can I fix this? She is open to speaking to a counsellor, but also believes we are both very happy. If she can’t admit that this is a cause for dissatisfaction, I will have to simply live the rest of my life in celibacy, which I think is unfair. I love my wife and want this to change. What should I do? 
She has already expressed willingness to speak with a counsellor, which is great because it sometimes takes an objective perspective from outside a relationship to hold a mirror up to both sides. You’re right about the importance of physical intimacy and being forced to live a celibate life will only change how you look at your partner as well as your marriage. It’s safe to assume your wife wants you to be happy too and is simply unable to look at this from your point of view. Be open and honest when you meet with a counsellor, talk about what you can both do to rekindle her interest in sex, and take it one day at a time. Try and understand where she is coming from too, because her feelings are valid and make sense to her. The advantage you both have is the time you have spent together, working on this relationship. Communication is key and talking about your wants or expectations is the only way you will both be able to arrive at a solution that makes sense to you both.

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