Mr. Liu, a retired cadre , is in his sixties and enjoys a happy retirement. He and his wife are both in good health, and their children are very filial, often visiting them with their grandchildren.
Even their intimate relationship was still going very well, making many of Mr. Liu's friends envious.
Recently, however, Mr. Liu has had a question in his mind. Although he is in good health, he has heard the saying that "ancient emperors died young because they had three thousand beauties in their harems," and he has begun to resist it, which has made his wife very unhappy.
Does this mean that older people need to abstain from sex to live longer?
Does more sexual activity in a couple lead to a longer life, or less sexual activity?
With increasing life expectancy, nearly a third of modern people spend their lives in old age, making the quality of life for the elderly increasingly important. Domestic surveys indicate that half of elderly people have living spouses, and over 60% still possess desire and sexual function . Advanced age does not mean the elderly become "asexual beings." Past life experiences, psychological activities, and neural reflexes leave traces of their needs in the cerebral cortex. Sexual activity is indispensable for improving the quality of life for adults, offering numerous benefits.
1. Promotes metabolism and healthy longevity
When "doing business," the whole body is involved in the exercise, causing blood vessels to dilate, lung capacity to increase, and the heart to pump more blood. This can improve blood circulation, promote metabolism, slow down the aging of endocrine glands such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads, and thyroid gland, benefit the physiological regulation of the cerebral cortex, enhance the body's immunity, and contribute to health and longevity.
2. Enhance confidence and vitality, and promote mental health.
After retirement, older adults experience a sharp decline in social contact, which may lead to feelings of loneliness. Moderate sexual activity can alleviate these feelings, reduce loneliness, and dispel the pessimistic feeling that " youth is gone forever, " thus enriching their spiritual lives.
However, as people age, they inevitably experience changes in their physical form, a decline in physical strength, a decrease in physiological functions, and various chronic diseases. Therefore, while older adults can engage in marital relations, more is not necessarily better for longevity. Although there are many benefits, moderation is key, and extra care should be taken during these activities.
Elderly couples should pay attention to the following points regarding their sex life.
1. Maintain mental health
A survey on the sex lives of the elderly showed that 40% of people over 60 years old are indifferent to sex or have even lost their sexual ability. However, the main reason for this is not physical aging, decreased sex hormones, or other diseases, but rather psychological aging—"mental aging precedes sexual decline." The elderly feel psychologically incapable, and this psychological state manifests physiologically.
Older adults should have confidence in normal marital life and should avoid developing a "decline mentality" in old age.
2. Make thorough preparations.
Before starting, preparations should be made. If arousal is slow, the preparation time should be longer, and the movements should be gentle. In particular, if older women do not have sufficient lubrication, it may cause pain or even abrasions, which may lead to failure of sexual intercourse. If necessary, some lubricant can be prepared.
3. Control time and frequency
Regarding time and frequency, it should be tailored to the individual and moderate. Many people schedule it for the morning when they are most energetic, but it's fine anytime, just follow your own habits. As for frequency, some people do it once or twice a month, while others only do it once every few months ; it's best to adjust according to your own situation, ensuring you don't experience discomfort afterward.
4. Let nature take its course
Sexual intimacy should be natural, without forcing, suppressing, or intentionally interrupting it; even if it's only once every few months, it's fine. If it has been interrupted for several years, resuming may be difficult at first, so don't rush it. Adjust your mindset first. If you have cardiovascular disease or other chronic illnesses, don't push yourself; manage the condition first. Older couples can enjoy physical contact such as kissing, caressing, and hugging, which are also important parts of a healthy sex life.
The idea that it is immoral for older people to have marital relations is outdated. It is important to face one's own needs openly, and older people should also update their views and learn more about the subject.
References:
[ 1 ] Moderate lifestyle can help elderly couples resist aging and promote longevity . Family Doctor Newspaper . 2017-1-23
[ 2 ] [Weekend Sexuality] Who stole the "sexual happiness" of the elderly that they have nowhere to put? Health News. 2019-12-22
