Extraordinary 80s: Sex Is Good for You

I was born and raised in Kansas and received my religious guidance from my grandmother. Our church believed that lipstick or dancing were the devil’s work. That should give you a clue that sex was not a topic discussed at the dinner table.

Remember when Elvis was on “The Ed Sullivan Show”? I was excited. I turned on the TV and there he was, singing and gyrating his hips. My grandmother yelled, “Nancy, don’t let her watch that devil!”

Nancy was my mother. We always showed respect to my grandmother, but Nancy loved lipstick and dancing. My parents went out every Saturday night, then slept in while sending me off to church with my grandmother.

That background stays with me. Now 83, I still have some hesitation when the topic of sex comes up (pun intended). I expect many of you do, too. But let me tell you about the physical advantages of continuing to enjoy sex during our Extraordinary 80s, according to AARP and other sources.

1. Sex boosts immunity. Researchers aren’t sure why, but regular sex seems to drive up the immune system, maybe because increased blood flow distributes antibodies throughout the body.

2. Heart Health. Sex once or twice a week yields cardiovascular benefits, research finds, including lower stress levels, improved sleep and stronger connection to your partner.

3. Stronger Pelvic Floor. Sexually active women are significantly more likely to have a strong pelvic floor, which helps control the bladder and helps prevent incontinence. In men, a weak pelvic floor can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

4. Headaches and Other Pain. Experts credit sex for the release of feel-good hormones, including endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.

5. Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer. The more often a man ejaculates, the lower the risk of prostate cancer. Experts believe that frequent turnover of the fluids in your prostate flushes out potential carcinogens.

6. Boost Mental Health. Research has found that sexual activity and intimacy are linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety and feeling of isolation, and can boost happiness and mood.

7. Reduce Stress. Sex can melt away built-up stress because of the release of a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters that help calm us down.

8. Burn Calories. It’s not a session on the treadmill, but sex does count as physical activity. Getting your heart rate up even for just a few minutes is good for you.

9. Brain Health. Research finds that those who engaged in sex more often did better on memory tests.

10. Better Sleep. During sex, the body releases hormones that induce pleasant and relaxed feelings, and also reduces cortisol, associated with stress.

You’re never too old for sex, and regular sex may help extend your life through all of these benefits — better heart health, improved sleep, lower stress and a closer relationship with your partner.

For those of us 80 and older (and younger!), “masturbation” is another one of those forbidden words, but that’s my grandmother’s way of thinking. For those without partners, the physical and mental benefits are the same. So start enjoying the life you have left. Sex can help.

Joan Rainwater-Gish is a personal fitness trainer specializing in seniors, and chair of the Senior News Community Advisory Council.

Email: jrainwatergish@gmail.com.