Satisfied women age gracefully

If you have a satisfying sex life then you are more likely to live a healthier and happier life all the way into your 80s, according to researchers at the University of California.

The recent study looked at the levels of sexual activity and satisfaction in 1,235 women, as well as their views on how “successfully” they were ageing.

“Contrary to our earlier hypothesis, sexual satisfaction was not significantly associated with age,” Wesley Thompson, assistant professor of psychiatry and the study’s co-lead author, says.

“Although the levels of sexual activity and functioning did vary significantly, depending on the woman’s age, their perceived quality of life, successful ageing and sexual satisfaction remained positive,” Professor Thompson adds.

Researchers at the Stein Institute for Research on Ageing claim successful ageing, quality of life and sexual satisfaction continue to be interrelated even as the physical health of women declines between the ages of 60 and 89 years. Despite this, researchers claim sexual activity and functions such as desire, arousal and ability to climax can tend to diminish with age.

The study shows about 70% of women in their 60s who were married or in an intimate relationship reported some sexual activity in the previous six months; a figure which dropped to 57% among women in their 70s and 31% among those in their 80s. However, surprisingly about 61% of women in the 80 to 89 years of age group described themselves as “moderately” to “very satisfied” with their sex lives.

Marriage or living in an intimate relationship was associated with higher rates of sexual activity than for those not in a relationship. However, according to the study’s findings, sexual activity decreased for all women as age advanced.

Researchers say the results confirm earlier findings that suggest self-rated health varies little with age, even when objective health indicators show age-associated decline.

“What this study tells us is many older adults retain their ability to enjoy sex well into old age. This is especially true of older adults who maintain a higher level of physical and mental health as they grow older,” Professor Thompson says.

He adds feeling satisfied with your sex life – regardless of your levels of sexual activity – is closely related to your perceived quality of life.

“While we cannot assess cause and effects from this study, these results suggest that maintaining a high level of sexual satisfaction may positively reinforce other psychological aspects of successful ageing,” he says.

Hollywood actress, Jane Fonda, who is 73 years old, has also recently spoken about the need for older women to feel sexually satisfied. 

Her new book features several chapters devoted to encouraging sexuality in old age, a topic she knows is uncomfortable for many people – mainly young people.

“It’s young people that have the hang-up. I think as the population ages in general, the taboo around sex at an older age will be lessened. Because after all, baby boomers think they invented sex, you know? Their knees and hips will go before their sex [drive] will,” she says.

Do you think a sexually gratifying relationship brings about positive ageing? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.