Study Suggests Seniors’ Cognitive Function Linked to Sex Life
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Just how important is a healthy sex life? Important enough to keep seniors mentally sharp, apparently.
Researchers in The Netherlands tested the cognitive functions of about 1,750 men and women whose average age was 71 while also asking them questions about the importance of sex, both personally and in general, for older people. They also quizzed the participants about their own sex lives and other topics concerning intimacy.
While 25 percent of the participants felt their personal sexuality was important, four in ten didn’t. Forty-two percent also believed sexuality at an older age was important, though about three in ten did not. Two-thirds agreed that intimacy and touching were necessary among the elderly.
As for how this all corresponded to cognitive functioning, the researchers determined people who believed sexuality was important and expressed satisfaction with their sex lives did better in tests than seniors who didn’t think sex was essential in old age.
Although no firm cause-and-effect link was established, the researchers suggested that cognitive decline can be slowed when one is either sexually active, or at least interested in intimacy.
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