Does sex improve your expectancy for life?
It’s a well established fact that sex releases hormones in the body that can increase intimacy and bond between partners– Research has also shown that the positive hormones released into the body can help combat symptoms of depression.
Human sexuality is increasingly recognized by physicians as an important aspect of health and quality of life throughout the life course. Sexual activity has been associated with health benefits and longevity; This study writes that 40% of men ages 75-85 remain sexually active, and 52% of older women (60+) report having regular, ‘good quality’ sexual relations and that physical health is significantly correlated with sexual activity and many aspects of sexual function, independent of age.
There is very little data concerning the sexual habits of older adults. Sales of Viagra, Cialis and other medications indicate that sexual activity is definitely of interest to older adults.
An increased focus in older adults may be heavily driven by the availability of drugs to treat male erectile dysfunction. Effective treatment of this condition is likely to extend the duration of sexually active life for men and their partners as they age. Problems with sexual functioning are prevalent among older adults and about half of all sexually active men and women in the U.S. report at least one bothersome sexual problem; one third report at least two.
As the older population grows in developed and developing nations, projecting the population structure of sexual activity is useful for anticipating need for public health resources, expertise, and services related to maintaining sexual function, regaining sexual function lost as a consequence of disease or treatments for common medical conditions that occur in later life, and preventing sexually transmitted diseases or risky sexual behavior among older adults.
For an appointment or consultation with Dr. Gary Bellman, please contact the office or call 818-912-1899