If you’re no longer intimate with your partner, you could be missing out on the important health benefits that sex provides. It may not always be easy or viable to have sex now that you’re older, but it’s important that you maintain a healthy sex life at any age to improve your overall health.
In case you aren’t aware of how sex can improve your health, here are eight science-backed benefits to consider.
Benefits of sex
1. Counts as Exercise
“Sex is a really great form of exercise,” Pinzone says. It won’t replace the treadmill, but it counts for something.
Sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV. It gives you a one-two punch: It bumps up your heart rate and uses various muscles.
So get busy! You may even want to clear your schedule to make time for it on a regular basis. “Like with exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits,” Pinzone says.
2. Boosts immunity: Want to ensure you don’t get sick this season? Make sure you are having regular sex. Sex has been shown to produce more antibodies and fight off infection. Furthermore, it’s been shown to reduce blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of heart attacks.
3. Prevents incontinence: A leaky bladder is a common and growing problem among older women. Incorporating Kegel exercises into your sex life can help reduce the risk of leaks and let you gain better control of your bladder.
4. Relieves pain: Many people don’t have sex if they have a headache, but they should, as sex is a natural pain reliever.
5. Improves sleep: After an orgasm, hormones are released, which promote a better night’s sleep.
6. Improves mental health: Oxytocin is released during sex, which is also known as the “cuddling hormone.” It can reduce stress and promote feelings of closeness.
7. Prevents wrinkles: Instead of spending countless dollars on skincare products, have more sex instead. It has been linked to fewer wrinkles and a younger-looking appearance.
8. Makes you smarter: A study of sexually active older adults found improved test scores. Dopamine, which is released during sex, has been shown to improve cognitive function.
9. Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is the CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness.
“There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.” That’s the first number on your blood pressure test.
10. LOWERS HEART ATTACK RISK
Good sex life is good for your heart. Besides being a great way to raise your heart rate, sex helps keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance.
“When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says.
Having sex more often may help. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.
