What should the lives of the elderly be like in the public eye? A life of tranquility and few desires? A life as bland as still water?
Many older people believe that sex is something only young people do, so they are ashamed to talk about it.
Traditional thinking holds that the elderly should not have sex, otherwise they will be associated with insulting words such as "shameless old man" and "disrespectful to the elderly". However, with the development of society, people's ideas have begun to change, and from a scientific point of view, the elderly's sex life is not optional.
Sexual activity is not optional for older adults.
Modern people have a longer lifespan, spending about one-third of their lives in old age. With social development and progress, the quality of life of the elderly is gradually gaining attention.
Domestic surveys indicate that approximately half of elderly people have living spouses, and about 60% still have the ability and desire for sexual activity. Traditional views held that marital relations were solely for procreation and reproduction, while many believed that the elderly generally lacked the ability and need to have children. This led to misunderstandings about sexual activity in the elderly , including among the elderly themselves.
However, sex life is also a basic need for the elderly and needs to be understood by society and others. If the needs of the elderly are excessively suppressed due to social factors, traditional concepts and other issues, it will greatly increase their psychological pressure and even induce mental illness.
From a psychological perspective, we shouldn't force the elderly to suppress their feelings; instead, we should guide them to lead healthy lives. Dr. Tang Wenhao and Dr. Jiang Hui of the Department of Andrology at Peking University Third Hospital stated that, according to foreign statistics, men with regular sexual relations live an average of 15 to 20 years longer than men without such relations, while women with disharmonious sexual relationships have an average lifespan that is 6 years shorter.
Older adults are better off having sex in the morning.
Most elderly people have relatively weaker physical conditions, which may affect their sleep quality at night. However, in the morning, after a night's rest, their energy and physical strength are sufficient, making it less likely to affect sleep quality. Therefore, the morning is the best time for the elderly to have sex. So, what are the benefits for elderly people not to give up marital relations?
1. Prevention of prostate diseases
Proper sexual activity can help prevent prostate diseases such as prostatitis and prostate stones, as many middle-aged and elderly men suffer from prostate problems.
2. Reduce the occurrence of gynecological inflammation
As women age, the secretion and self-cleaning ability of their mucous membranes decline. Due to their unique structure and weakened immunity, they become more susceptible to bacterial infections and inflammation. Appropriate sexual activity can help cleanse and improve blood circulation, maintaining a balanced internal environment and preventing gynecological inflammation and other diseases.
3. Promote physical health
As we age, the secretion of hormones decreases, and regular sexual activity promotes endocrine balance, which is beneficial to health to some extent. For women, sexual activity can promote ovarian function and estrogen balance.
During the process, the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, pelvis, and limbs, needs to be activated. The heart rate and breathing will also increase, mobilizing the circulatory and respiratory systems. It is a full-body exercise that can work multiple parts and systems, and can also improve the body's immunity and metabolism.
4. Maintain mental health
After retirement, the elderly have significantly less contact with society, and many may experience a tendency towards depression. Sexual activity can increase oxytocin levels, which can relieve anxiety and stress, improve mood, and enhance enjoyment. Elderly couples can also strengthen their relationship through intimacy, especially since retirement life can be quite monotonous; appropriate sexual activity can inject vitality into life and help maintain a positive mood and high spirits throughout the day.
Sexual activity for the elderly: safety first
1. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
Many elderly people are single, divorced, or widowed. When they have sexual desires but lack a suitable partner, some may resort to irregular and unsafe methods. Data shows that the elderly, especially elderly men, have become a high-risk group for sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis . Therefore, it is crucial to educate the elderly about health, the dangers of unsafe sex, and to help them choose partners rationally, paying attention to safety and hygiene.
2. Control chronic diseases.
Elderly people with chronic diseases can also have a marital life, but it's important to focus on emotional connection and psychological fulfillment . For elderly people with underlying conditions such as hypertension or coronary heart disease, it's crucial to manage these conditions well and avoid excessive excitement or fatigue.
3. Do not take "aphrodisiacs" indiscriminately.
Some people, dissatisfied with their abilities, may take " aphrodisiacs ," but these are usually prescription drugs, and if purchased on your own, you may end up with counterfeit medications . Furthermore, taking them without a doctor's guidance can lead to safety issues . Some patients have experienced visual impairment, blue-green color blindness, or even rare non-arterial anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after self-medication, resulting in vision loss or even permanent blindness.
People who are taking other medications or have illnesses should not take " aphrodisiacs " casually, as they may experience harm or even life-threatening situations due to drug interactions. In particular, patients with heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or other similar conditions must consult a doctor before taking any medication.
It is perfectly normal for older people to have sexual relations, but they should prioritize their physical safety and avoid excessive pursuit of physical stimulation.
References:
[1] Elderly people should continue their sex life. People's Daily Online. 2018-10-9
[2] Safety First in Elderly Sexual Life. Life Times. 2019-11-21
[3] There are many things to know about the sex life of the elderly. Journal of Sex Education and Reproductive Health. 2012, No. 3
