Sexual desires are healthy for older adults

New studies on the sex lives of older Americans find that such activity doesn't have to fade with age, but it helps to stay healthy and positive.

Nearly 40% of American men between 75 and 85 years old are sexually active, new studies reveal. More than half of those have sex at least twice a month. A quarter do it every week. (Only 17% of women that age are sexually active, but they're equally busy.).

For decades, the medical profession politely averted its gaze from sex in nursing-homes. Many doctors - not to mention patients themselves - assumed that sex must simply fade away quietly over time and, really, who would miss it?

But now the study of aging and sexuality is gaining interest. And the resulting research reveals surprising news: Age itself does not limit our desire and prowess in bed. Rather, the blame goes to aging-related issues - health problems, medication side effects and a lack of steady partners.

If we manage to stay happy, healthy and socially connected as we get older - a tall order but not impossible - chances are good that we can continue to enjoy sex as long as we desire.

Depending on your preferences, that might be a long time indeed. "The oldest person that I ever referred for a penile prosthesis was 98," says Dr. John Morley, geriatrics professor at St. Louis University. "He used it until he was 101, very happily. Our desire to have sex does not have an expiration date."

Today's 65-year-olds can expect to live another two decades or so. And it makes sense that we would want to while away some of those extra hours with sex, especially after former libido-busters - stressful jobs, crying kids, pregnancy worries - have blissfully disappeared.

Source: Корреспондент