Regular sexual activity might help older couples manage physical and psychological health problems and keep their relationship strong, research suggests.
Declines in health are common as men and women age. And health problems for either partner can put tremendous stress on a marriage. Partners may see their roles changing. For example, when one becomes a primary caregiver for the other, the dynamic of the relationship can change.
Recently, American scientists examined the ways sexuality and psychological health mesh with physical health and the quality of marriage. (While the authors frequently referred to marriage, their data included unmarried, cohabitating couples as well.)
The researchers obtained data from 732 couples (1,464 people) between the ages of 65 and 74. The couples were participants in the National Social Life Health and Aging Project, a survey of adults living in the United States.
First, the participants gave information about their marital quality, such how close they felt, how happy and emotionally satisfied they were, and how much they got on each other’s nerves. Next, they rated their physical and psychological health as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Finally, the couples told the researchers how often they had sex.
The authors pointed out that sexual activity did not have to mean vaginal intercourse and orgasm. Their definition included any form of intimacy or sexual touching. On average, the couples had sex about once a month.
Overall, the researchers found that greater sexual frequency and better physical health were associated with higher marriage quality. Husbands tended to rate their marriage quality more highly than wives did.
The findings may help professionals who care for older patients. “Clearly, older adults’ access to high-quality health care for both physical and emotional issues is key,” the authors wrote. Healthcare providers should be prepared to make referrals to specialists if necessary and older couples may benefit from relationship education programs, they added.
The study was first published online in January in Journals of Gerontology, Series B.
Resources
Journals of Gerontology, Series B
Galinsky, Adena M. and Linda J. Waite
“Sexual Activity and Psychological Health As Mediators of the Relationship Between Physical Health and Marital Quality”
(Full-text. First published online: January 27, 2014)
http://psychsocgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/01/24/geronb.gbt165.full
Reuters
Raven, Kathleen
“In sickness and health, sex keeps older couples happy: study”
(February 26, 2014)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/26/us-health-oldcouple-sex-idUSBREA1P1IG20140226
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
