Make more love to enjoy a better life in retirement
SENIOR citizens who enjoy lovemaking are healthier and enjoy life more, a study reveals.
Researchers analysed the sexual activity and happiness of more than 6,800 people in England with an average age of 65.
Older men and women who reported any type of sexual activity in the previous 12 months had a higher life enjoyment score than those who were not sexually active.
Study co-author Dr Lee Smith, of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Research has suggested that frequent sexual intercourse is associated with a range of benefits for psychological and physiological well-being, such as improved quality of life and mental health, and lower risk of certain cancers.
Kissing
“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 well-being.
“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 difficulties, as sexual activity helps older people live more fulfilling lives.”
The study, published in the journal Sexual Medicine, found that among older men, satisfaction with their sex life and frequency of sexual intercourse was associated with greater enjoyment of life.
But for older women, there was no significant link between sexual intercourse and happiness.
Instead, a greater frequency of kissing, petting and fondling was associated with a higher enjoyment of life, as was feeling emotionally close to their partner during sex.
Study co-author Dr Sarah Jackson, of University College London, said: “Promoting well-being in later life is a public health priority.
“If encouraging and supporting people to continue to enjoy a healthy sex life in old age could help to boost well-being, there may be benefits both for the individual and for the sustainability of health services.”
Charity Age UK’s online guidance on sex later in life says it can boost a person’s immune system, lift their mood and make couples feel closer.
The guidance adds: “You could try new things together to see what feels good for both of you.
“You could also talk to your GP about your concerns, especially if sex causes physical pain or discomfort.”