The Importance Of Staying Sexually Active Into Senior Years
Who said that the elderly do not have sex? And yet, in the US as in many other countries, the tendency is to totally ignore the argument, to deny the possibility that an elder may be active and not to seriously consider that sex may also affect the third age.
Even Dr. Bruce G. Pollock of Sexual Behavior Clinic division of CAMH, confirms this: the subject of sexuality does not seem to be relevant either for the general practitioner or for other types of specialists who, when faced with an elder, do not raise absolutely the question unless the patient does it.
A paradox, if we consider that to dispel the myths we think a lot of research, first of all the study on the sexual behavior of the elderly who, even in 2000, confirmed the sexual activity of 73.4% of Americans between 61 and 70 years old of 39.1% of those over 70s.
The positive effects of sex in old age
Sex is therapeutic and at any age. Just as it is a pleasure during youth and middle age, even during old age it can be a great source of satisfaction.
Regular sexual activity in old age brings with it:
- an improvement in personal gratification
- increased self-esteem
- lower probability of prostate cancer for men
- a marked improvement in blood circulation
- a more proactive mood and less chance of going into depression
- more promptness in mental and decision-making skills
Dopamine released by the body during sexual activity is a neurotransmitter that activates areas of “personal reward” in the brain. It is also the main responsible of the good mood in sexually active subjects, together with the endorphins that play an incredible anti-aging effect hydrating and protecting the skin. These positive effects on the body more than justify the use of Female Viagra.
Sex and the elderly are a more than happy union, but approaching the intimacy of the other after the age of 65 can also include alternative activities and not only complete reports.
Protection? At any age
Investigations into the benefits of sexual activity in the elderly do not only reveal positive data, but also some of which it is good to discuss in a loud voice to sensitize the entire population. Let’s talk about sexually transmitted diseases: apparently, the very low risk of incurring pregnancies during the third age would greatly encourage unprotected relationships, with a consequent spread of other undesirable effects.
