A new study shows that even in old age, sex is good for us.
According to a study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and University College London, people over the age of 65 were much more satisfied and had a higher level of enjoyment in life if they had been sexually active within the last 12 months.
Research was conducted amongst 6,879 British seniors over the age of 65.
Dr. Lee Smith, a reader in exercise medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, and co-author Sarah Jackson found that there were some differences between the genders.
Senior women benefited more from intimate touching rather than sex. For example, women who experienced more regular kissing, petting, and fondling had a higher feeling of satisfaction. Women also did not experience a significant improvement in their overall levels of enjoyment or satisfaction from sexual intercourse.
However, men were much more simple in the fact that the more sex they had, the happier they were.
It seems that the general rule of women enjoying intimacy and men preferring sex does not fade with age.
Dr. Lee Smith spoke about their findings.
"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."
Dr. Smith continued,
"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 aging populations."
Many people do not find the study's findings to be particularly groundbreaking.
Others are making sure they won't let their sexual flame flicker with age.
And others don't want to think about the older people in their lives keeping at it.
Whether or not the idea sounds appealing, it's good to know for when we get to that stage in life!
