A web search for the term "sex life" reveals an interesting phenomenon: it rarely appears in relation to the elderly. This is largely due to the taboo surrounding sex in China and traditional values. We habitually assume that as people age, their sexual desires disappear, and that older people should be devoid of desire. However, this is a misconception.
Do older people also have sexual needs? The answer is yes.
A study in the United States found that, excluding the elderly who have lost their mobility, 90% of men and 50% of women still retain sexual interest. In addition, studies by sexologists at home and abroad on the relationship between sex life and age have also shown that the elderly still maintain sexual needs, and people's desire for sex does not disappear with age.
Furthermore, statistics show that men can still produce sperm even at the age of 90. This means that sexual function does not cease or disappear with age. However, the "abstinence" of many elderly people today is largely due to traditional values and social "discrimination," causing psychological pressure and making them afraid to confront their own desires.
There are actually benefits to older adults having sex.
In fact, regardless of age, a certain level of sexual activity is beneficial to health. Medical research shows that for women, maintaining a moderate level of sexual activity helps stimulate vaginal secretions, thereby delaying the aging of the local skin. For men, regular sexual activity can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
For those who advocate abstinence, while this avoids the risk of potential disease infection, it also suppresses normal bodily needs, which is not conducive to health in the long run. Conversely, appropriate sexual activity can effectively promote hormone metabolism, help release stress, and is more beneficial to overall health. This has been demonstrated by numerous studies both domestically and internationally.
Older adults need sexual activity, but they shouldn't overindulge. Experts suggest that due to physical limitations, the frequency of sexual activity should ideally be controlled with age. For example, 60-year-olds can limit it to 2-4 times a month, while 70-year-olds can limit it to 3 times every 2 months, gradually decreasing in this direction. Of course, these are just averages calculated from data; the specific frequency should be adjusted according to individual circumstances.
A call to action: Show more tolerance towards the elderly.
There have always been negative examples regarding the topic of sex life among the elderly. For instance, insufficient awareness of sexually transmitted disease prevention has led to a rising incidence of diseases like HIV/AIDS among the elderly, who are often hesitant to seek medical attention, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. These incidents have also fueled public opinion that older adults engaging in sexual activity is "disrespectful to elders."
However, if everyone stands on moral high ground to criticize the needs of the elderly, it is undoubtedly a slap in the face, because everyone will grow old. Instead, we should show more understanding and care for the elderly, while increasing HIV/AIDS prevention awareness among them, so that they can express their needs in a healthy way.
In general, society has become more tolerant of sex as the economy has developed. So we might as well treat the sexual needs of the elderly with an inclusive attitude as well.
References:
1. Yang Dazhong; Sexual life should also be varied for the elderly [J]; Life and Health; June 2008
2. Zhang Hude; Dos and Don'ts of Sexual Activity in the Elderly [J]; Family Traditional Chinese Medicine; 2011, Issue 08
3. Huang Weixin; Elderly couples should have appropriate sexual life [J]; Old Friends; June 2010
4. Request for article: Sexual life of the elderly [J]; China Health Monthly; Issue 4, 1986
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