Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun in the bedroom! Many people think that seniors don’t or shouldn’t have sex, but that’s not true. Staying sexually active as you get older can actually be good for your health. When we talk about senior health, we often forget about sex. But it’s an important part of life for many older adults over 60. Just like eating well and exercising, having a healthy sex life can help seniors feel better in their bodies and minds.

In this article, we’ll look at five ways that staying sexually active can be good for seniors. These benefits might surprise you! It’s time to break the silence and talk openly about how sex can help older adults stay healthy and happy.

Sex is Good for Your Heart

Did you know that having sex can be like exercise for your heart? It’s true! When you have sex, your heart beats faster and works harder, just like when you’re running or playing sports. This can help keep your heart strong and healthy.

Here’s how sex helps your heart

• It gets your blood pumping: During sex, blood flows faster through your body. This is like a mini-workout for your heart and blood vessels.

• It might lower your blood pressure: Some studies show that people who have sex regularly often have lower blood pressure. Lower blood pressure is good for your heart.

• It can improve circulation: Good blood flow is important for your whole body. Sex helps blood move to all parts of your body, which can make you feel better overall.

Remember, you don’t have to run a marathon to help your heart. Regular, gentle exercise like sex can be a fun and easy way to keep your heart healthy as you get older. Of course, always check with your doctor if you have any worries about your heart health.

After a certain age, we’re not supposed to enjoy sex. After all, we don’t see much about ‘senior’ sex in magazines or movies. We’re sedate, we’re grannies, we move slowly – sex isn’t made for us. Or so it seems.

For many of us, it’s too easy to go along with the “I’m over it” scenario. Menopause creates issues for some women that make the thought of sex unappealing. Aching bodies, a touch of arthritis and the natural sagging that comes with age all impact our libido.

Some of us are having sex. A 2011 study of 27,000 women found that 45 percent in their 60s and 28 percent in their 70s were sexually active. Many of us are not. We may not be talking about it, but 55 percent of 60-something-year-olds and a whopping 72 percent of 70-something-year-olds are celibate, whether we want to be or not. And that’s not healthy.

Senior Sex: 5 Surprising Health Perks

Here are five important reasons for women and men, too – to remain sexually active. If you’re not in a relationship it’s challenging, but equally important that you find a way to reintroduce sex into your life.

1. Vaginal health depends on sexual activity. The vagina changes after menopause, the loss of estrogen causes us to dry up, leading to vaginal atrophy and painful sex. Sexual activity helps keep delicate tissues moist and supple,  helping the body to create more lubrication, which can reduce the risks of pain and tearing.
2. Emotional connection thrives on sexual intimacy. The idea of coming together to give one another joy through touch and play gives us that sense of emotional well-being we need as humans. People with strong social interactions and emotional connections live longer lives.
3. Cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility improve through the act of lovemaking. As with any exercise, getting the blood flowing and the heart pumping is good for circulation.
4. Pain relief can be a side effect of sexual activity. That’s because having sex produces the hormone oxytocin, leading to an increase in endorphins. The flow of endorphins through our systems makes us feel better, emotionally and physically. People report a decrease in headaches and arthritis pain when their oxytocin levels are high.
5. Humans are sexual beings. We have desires and needs that are fulfilled in many ways – one of them being through sexual expression. This may take different forms as we age, but our sexuality remains with us. Healthy, safe sex is an appropriate and vital part of our lives.

Sex Can Make You Feel Happier

Having sex isn’t just fun – it can also make you feel happier and more relaxed. Here’s how sex can help your mind feel good:

Happy Chemicals in Your Brain

When you have sex, your brain releases special chemicals that make you feel good. These chemicals are called:

Endorphins: These are like natural painkillers. They make you feel happy and relaxed.

Oxytocin: This is sometimes called the “love hormone.” It makes you feel close to your partner and can help you feel calm.

Dopamine: This chemical makes you feel excited and happy.

Less Worry and Sadness

Having sex regularly might help you feel less worried or sad. Here’s why:

Stress relief: Sex can help you forget about your worries for a while. It’s like a mini-vacation for your brain!

Better sleep: After sex, you might sleep better. Good sleep helps your brain stay healthy and can make you feel less worried.

Feeling connected: Being close to someone you care about can make you feel loved and supported. This can help fight off sad feelings.

Final Thoughts

At 60, 70, or even 85 years of age, seniors can enjoy an active sex life. The benefits far outweigh any possible negative effects. As long as you’re using protection, you can safely engage in sexual activity. From boosting mental well-being to enhancing physical fitness, it can contribute positively to overall happiness and longevity. Sex in later years helps improve heart health, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and even stimulates cognitive function. With a partner or self-pleasuring, having sex can improve the quality of your life. So, what’s stopping you?