If you’re over a certain age, being satisfied with your love life helps keep you feeling young. This is according to a new study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, which found that women with a healthy love life cope better with ageing. Just like older movie stars such as Jane Fonda and Joan Collins, women who are satisfied with their sex life are happier over all – even when the actual level of sexual activity declines with age. For the study, the team of researchers looked at 1,235 women between the ages of 60 and 89 and found that even though those in the older age groups were having less sex, they still reported being moderately or very satisfied with their sex lives. And this, in turn, had an effect on their perceived quality of life.
According to study lead researcher Professor Wesley Thompson, of University of California San Diego, ‘Sexual satisfaction was not significantly associated with age. Although the levels of sexual activity and functioning did vary significantly, depending on the woman’s age, their perceived quality of life, successful ageing and sexual satisfaction remained positive. What this study tells us is that many older adults retain their ability to enjoy sex well into old age. This is especially true of older adults who maintain a higher level of physical and mental health as they grow older. Furthermore, feeling satisfied with your sex life – whatever your levels of sexual activity – is closely related to your perceived quality of life. While we cannot assess cause and effect from this study, these results suggest that maintaining a high level of sexual satisfaction may positively reinforce other psychological aspects of successful ageing.’
Just ask actress Jane Fonda! The 73-Year-Old star of Barbarella and Nine to Five claims that her healthy love life has helped her to maintain her good looks, adding that she had some of her best-ever sex at the age of 71. Talking about sex for the over-70s is usually a taboo subject, but that’s exactly what Fonda does in her book Prime Time. Explaining her decision, Fonda asserts, ‘I wasn’t trying to be shocking, but I go into details, and it seems to have shocked people. I made a list of things to cover. I’m still sexually active. There are certain things that change as you age, and I wanted to talk about that.’
Fonda isn’t the only one to write about the importance of sex in older age – 78-year-old actress Joan Collins has also put pen to paper on the subject. Collins notes, ‘Let’s not forget the importance of sex when it comes to looking and feeling good. Many of the world’s most celebrated women have been sexually active well into middle age and beyond. The great French actress, Sarah Bernhardt, and the legendary designer, Coco Chanel, both had lovers well into their later lives. Catherine the Great was reputed to have taken younger lovers to bed. Mae West, who lived to 90, had a live-in lover 45 years younger than she was…It is every adult’s prerogative to enjoy sex.’
Let’s take a closer look at how sex benefits your wellness with sexual health expert Emily Andrews:
1. Stress Relief: Andrews points out, ‘Studies have shown regular lovemaking is associated with lower blood pressure, which has an effect on reducing physical and emotional stress levels.’
2. Heart Health: ‘A romp between the sheets is good aerobic exercise for your heart,’ says Andrews.
3. Weight Loss: Andrews details, ‘30 minutes of intercourse burns up to350 calories, depending on how “active” you are.’
4. Better Sleep: ‘During orgasm, the body releases oxytocin,’ Andrews explains. ‘The natural “love hormone” which also promote sleep.’