As we get older, many aspects of our lives change. For example, we’re less likely to go out partying, our bodies change, and we have sex less often. And that last point is actually extremely important, according to researchers. Having sex is an essential part of intimate relationships, but the older we get, the less often we do it. At least, that’s what people often think. New research now shows that this isn’t always the case, and that sex in older age makes us both happier and healthier. So what’s the deal exactly?
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Sudoku or Kama Sutra?
If you thought that grandpa and grandma just spend all day doing Sudoku puzzles and hanging out at the mall, you’re wrong. Recent research in the United Kingdom found that 85% of men aged 60–69 report being sexually active—as do 60% of people aged 70–79. When we look at people aged 80 and older, 32% say they are still sexually active. Sitting still? Many older adults haven’t heard of that yet!
The study also found that women tended to be less sexually active than men as they aged, but there are still many women who want to keep having sex even as wrinkles start to appear more frequently. Studies from the United States report similar levels of sexual activity in the age groups mentioned above. So both men and women are still happy to get busy. Whether they use natural aphrodisiacs to boost their libido is unknown, but it would certainly do them good!
Health Issues
And that’s good news. A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that the less sex older adults have, the greater the likelihood they will experience mental and physical health problems. The aim of the study was to investigate associations between declines in sexual function and health.
For the study, data were analyzed from 2,577 men and 3,195 women aged 50 and older. These individuals were asked whether they had experienced a decline in their level of sexual desire over the past year, how often they had sex, and how their ability to achieve an erection (men) or become sexually aroused (women) was faring.
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Happier and healthier
What did they find? Men who had less sex were more likely to develop diseases such as cancer or other chronic conditions that limited daily activities. Men and women who reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity also rated their own health significantly lower than those who had sex regularly. Another finding was that older adults enjoy life more when they are sexually active. And on top of that, sexually active people also perform better on physical and cognitive tests.
And why does sex make you so happy? Well, that’s partly due to the release of endorphins during and after sex. This feel-good hormone gives you a happy and elated feeling. By the way, did you know that you burn about four calories per minute? So a late-night session is also great if you want to lose weight or get fitter!
