Regular sex associated with greater enjoyment of life in seniors

A new study shows that having sexual intercourse regularly even in the senior years is the key to good health. It not only improves the feeling of wellbeing but also improves contentment with life, the researchers explain. The study results were published in the latest issue of the journal Sexual Medicine.

The study from the researchers at the Anglia Ruskin University and University College London looked at 6,879 British seniors (aged over 65 years) who reported having sex within the previous one year. They noted that these individuals had a greater satisfaction with life and also had greater levels of enjoyment.

Dr. Lee Smith, a reader in exercise medicine at Anglia Ruskin in a statement explained, “The findings of our study suggest that it may be beneficial for physicians to query geriatric patients about their sexual activity and offer help for sexual difficulties, such as problems with erections, as sexual activity helps older people live more fulfilling lives.” Smith and colleague Sarah Jackson looked at the differences in the effects of sexual activity among men and women. They found that women showed better wellbeing from intimate touching than from sexual intercourse. Kissing, fondling and touching allowed them to lead a more fulfilled life. These women then felt greater closeness to their sexual partner, the researchers found. Intercourse per se did not raise the sense of well being among women. On the other hand older men had a greater sense of well being with regular sexual intercourse.

Smith in a statement said, “Health professionals should acknowledge that older adults are not asexual and that a frequent and problem-free sex life in this population is related to better wellbeing. However, encouragement to try new positions and explore different types of sexual activities is not regularly given to ageing populations.”

Source: https://www.smoa.jsexmed.org/article/S2050-1161(18)30111-9/fulltext