Older people who ‘make love’ frequently are happier: Study

Intimacy and sexual activity is important for many Baby Boomers and a new study has shown just how beneficial sex can be for older members of the community.

A new study published in the Sexual Medicine Journal by researchers at the Anglia Ruskin University found Baby Boomers who “make love” have improved wellbeing and enjoy life more than those who don’t.

For the research, survey data from 6,879 people with an average age of 65 and living in England was analysed. The results found older men and women who reported any type of sexual activity in the past 12 months had a higher life enjoyment score than people who weren’t sexually active.

Interestingly, the study revealed which sexual acts were associated with a greater enjoyment of life. For women, a greater frequency of kissing, petting and fondling was preferred, as was feeling emotionally close to their partner during sex. Having said that, there wasn’t a significant association with sexual intercourse and enjoyment of life amongst older women.

It was a different story for older men, whose greater enjoyment in life was associated with satisfaction with their sex life, as well as frequency of sexual intercourse. Researchers believe sexual intercourse may be more important for older men in terms of wellbeing, while women’s enjoyment is more closely linked to other sexual activities.

Previous studies have linked frequent sexual intercourse with a range of psychological and physiological benefits. These include improved quality of life and mental health, while some have even hypothesised that a thriving sex live can lower the risk of certain cancers and even fatal coronary events.

Read more: Gran seeks help after ‘oversensitive’ husband refuses to talk about sex

“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,” lead researcher Lee Smith said in a statement. “However, encouragement to try new positions and explore different types of sexual activities is not regularly given to ageing populations.”

Researchers now believe it would be beneficial for physicians to query geriatric patients about their sexual activity and to offer help for common sexual difficulties such as erections.

“Sexual activity helps older people live more fulfilling lives,” Smith added.

Meanwhile, study co-author Sarah Jackson added that promoting wellbeing in later life is a public health priority.

“We know that psychological wellbeing is intricately linked with physical health, and as the population continues to age, the burden on health services increases,” Jackson said. “If encouraging and supporting people to continue to enjoy a healthy sex life in old age could help to boost wellbeing, there may be benefits both for the individual and for the sustainability of health services.”

Read more: Inside an Aussie nudist retreat: From sex swing grotto to private spa

What are your thoughts on this study? Do you think a thriving sex life in older age is important?

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.