Old Hu is very troubled lately.
Although he is over sixty, his inner restlessness is no less than it was in his younger days, which his wife finds a bit abnormal.
"At your age, you still think about that stuff all the time. I could tolerate it a couple of years ago, but now, I don't want to go through with it anymore," my wife complained, her words sharp and cutting.
But Lao Hu also felt very aggrieved. He still had needs, but was it something shameful? Should people over sixty be content with little and without desires?
It's normal for elderly people to have needs; there's no need to be ashamed.
International surveys show that 75 % of women over 60 years old have sex every week, 50% of women over 70 years old have sex every week, and more than 75% of men over 70 years old are still interested in sex.
British scientists conducted a 10- year follow-up study on 1,000 men and found that men with stable marital relations had a 50% lower chance of stroke and cerebral thrombosis than men with infrequent marital relations. Men who had sex more than twice a week had a 50% lower chance of premature death than men who had sex once a week or less. Men with harmonious marital relations had at least a 10% lower risk of heart disease than men with disharmonious marital relations .
Sexual activity is also a reflection of health. For example, erectile dysfunction in men may indicate vascular disease, while bleeding in women may indicate gynecological tumors. Appropriate sexual activity can stimulate the endocrine system and, to some extent, prevent prostate diseases and reduce the occurrence of gynecological inflammation.
Appropriate sexual activity can also accelerate metabolism, promote balanced adrenal secretion, keep the immune system in a good state, and help prolong life.
As older adults have significantly less contact with society, they are prone to loneliness and depression. Research in gerontology suggests that appropriate marital relations can help older adults prevent mental illnesses such as depression , relieve psychological stress, enhance self-confidence, strengthen marital bonds, and contribute to family harmony.
How long can a couple maintain a sexual relationship?
Many elderly people, despite their advanced age, still have the ability and desire to engage in sexual activity. Studies suggest that if reproductive health is properly protected, the vast majority of elderly people over 70 can still have sexual relations, and some can continue until 80 or even older.
According to medical reports, men can still produce some sperm even at age 90. As people age, what they lose is reproductive function, not sexual function.
While a fulfilling sex life is enjoyable for older couples, there are at least two things to keep in mind.
1. Underlying diseases
For some elderly people suffering from heart disease, stroke, bronchial asthma, and other diseases, strenuous activity can increase oxygen consumption and may trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents such as angina pectoris, cerebral hemorrhage, and myocardial infarction, so it should be avoided as much as possible.
For elderly people with relatively mild underlying medical conditions , it is also important to manage their condition well. During sexual activity, they should avoid overly vigorous or strenuous activity and ensure their bodies can handle it. If any discomfort occurs, such as dizziness, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, they should stop immediately and seek medical attention.
2. Do not overdo it.
When enjoying pleasure, older adults should maintain a balance. There's no fixed number of times couples should engage in sexual activity; the only prerequisite is the elderly person's physical condition, with safety always being the top priority. It's normal for physical health to decline with age; don't get too fixated on it or overly pursue physical gratification. Instead, focus on emotional connection and connection to achieve psychological satisfaction.
It is normal for older people to have needs, and it is not shameful. In fact, it can contribute to their mental and physical health, but it is important to maintain a proper balance.
References:
[ 1 ] Elderly people: Needs vs. healthier living, how to achieve both? Health News . 2019-11-30
[ 2 ] At this age, can I still have a life? Doctor: Doing it right will have at least 6 benefits for your health! .Health Times . 2019-12-08
[ 3 ] There are many things to pay attention to in the lives of the elderly . Sex Education and Reproductive Health . 2012,(3):48-49
