By Megan O’Brien
As we age, our lives undergo a myriad of shifts and changes. From our youth to our senior years, we learn and relearn how to socialize, manage friendships, and even begin and end romantic relationships. Similarly, as we age, we experience sex and our sexuality in different ways. After 60, we begin experiencing sexual activity in new ways and must navigate our physical ability as well as our partners’ abilities. Some of us may notice a decrease in libido - but not everyone - and some of us may even experience an increase. These changes often contribute to a misguided notion that we are not expected to maintain a healthy and active sex life as we grow older. But the reality is that sex is fun for people of all ages.
While older adults nationwide begin to take back their sex lives and proudly remain sexually active and explorative, there are still some myths to put to rest. One is the idea that aging adults should not engage in sexual behavior because it is too strenuous. To the contrary, continuing sexual activity as we grow older can result in numerous health benefits. One of the biggest benefits of sexual activity is improved blood pressure. Studies have found that those who engage in some sexual activity respond better to stressful events and thus have lower blood pressure during such events. It has even been reported that diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) tends to be lower in people who live together and have sex often. As a side note, these statistics remain the same for sexual acts performed alone, such as masturbation.
One recurring myth is that sex can cause a stroke. A 20-year British study indicated that individuals who engaged in some sexual activity two or more times a week were 45 percent less likely to suffer from a heart attack than those who had sex less than once a month. Furthermore, there has been no link found between the occurrence of a stroke and sexual activity.
Sex can also help with weight maintenance or weight loss because sexual activity can be counted as cardio, mainly if done with a partner. Thirty minutes of sex can burn up to 85 calories or more. While this calorie burn may appear minimal, every calorie burned is a step in the right direction toward weight loss or maintenance.
Cholesterol may also be affected by sexual activity. While sex alone will not be enough to keep cholesterol in check, it helps in tipping the HDL/LDL cholesterol balance toward the healthier “good cholesterol” end. Regular physical activity, even low impact activities, can raise HDL by 10 percent and lower “bad” cholesterol.
One of the most beneficial aspects of sex is that it can help decrease a male’s chance of prostate cancer. While research is still in its beginning stages, a recent study suggests that men who experience 21 or more ejaculations a month are less likely to get prostate cancer than those who had four to seven ejaculations per month. It should be noted, however, that other aspects of life come into play when estimating risk for cancer.
Finally, sexual activity in general helps boost the immune system, improve sleep, and even help regulate pain. Therefore, it should remain an important aspect of our lives – throughout their entirety. If you choose to remain sexually active, be safe. Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections, especially when engaging in sex with a new partner. Continue to get tested for STIs before each new partner.
While many of us may notice changes in our sex lives after 60 – tamer positions, a slower pace, etc. – these changes should not give us pause because the benefits of sex only increase as we get older.
To learn more about a range of issues associated with sexuality and aging, please join us for a conference on Widener University’s Main Campus in Chester, Pa. on Sept. 27 and 28. For more information, see http://saconsortium.eventbrite.com/or e-mail SAConsortium@widener.edu.
Megan O’Brien, a master’s student in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University, holds a master’s in psychology from The New School for Social Research and is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University.
While older adults nationwide begin to take back their sex lives and proudly remain sexually active and explorative, there are still some myths to put to rest. One is the idea that aging adults should not engage in sexual behavior because it is too strenuous. To the contrary, continuing sexual activity as we grow older can result in numerous health benefits. One of the biggest benefits of sexual activity is improved blood pressure. Studies have found that those who engage in some sexual activity respond better to stressful events and thus have lower blood pressure during such events. It has even been reported that diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) tends to be lower in people who live together and have sex often. As a side note, these statistics remain the same for sexual acts performed alone, such as masturbation.
One recurring myth is that sex can cause a stroke. A 20-year British study indicated that individuals who engaged in some sexual activity two or more times a week were 45 percent less likely to suffer from a heart attack than those who had sex less than once a month. Furthermore, there has been no link found between the occurrence of a stroke and sexual activity.
Sex can also help with weight maintenance or weight loss because sexual activity can be counted as cardio, mainly if done with a partner. Thirty minutes of sex can burn up to 85 calories or more. While this calorie burn may appear minimal, every calorie burned is a step in the right direction toward weight loss or maintenance.
Cholesterol may also be affected by sexual activity. While sex alone will not be enough to keep cholesterol in check, it helps in tipping the HDL/LDL cholesterol balance toward the healthier “good cholesterol” end. Regular physical activity, even low impact activities, can raise HDL by 10 percent and lower “bad” cholesterol.
One of the most beneficial aspects of sex is that it can help decrease a male’s chance of prostate cancer. While research is still in its beginning stages, a recent study suggests that men who experience 21 or more ejaculations a month are less likely to get prostate cancer than those who had four to seven ejaculations per month. It should be noted, however, that other aspects of life come into play when estimating risk for cancer.
Finally, sexual activity in general helps boost the immune system, improve sleep, and even help regulate pain. Therefore, it should remain an important aspect of our lives – throughout their entirety. If you choose to remain sexually active, be safe. Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections, especially when engaging in sex with a new partner. Continue to get tested for STIs before each new partner.
While many of us may notice changes in our sex lives after 60 – tamer positions, a slower pace, etc. – these changes should not give us pause because the benefits of sex only increase as we get older.
To learn more about a range of issues associated with sexuality and aging, please join us for a conference on Widener University’s Main Campus in Chester, Pa. on Sept. 27 and 28. For more information, see http://saconsortium.eventbrite.com/or e-mail SAConsortium@widener.edu.
Megan O’Brien, a master’s student in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University, holds a master’s in psychology from The New School for Social Research and is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University.