How sex can help you live a longer and healthier life

A prescription for sexual activity may be unexpected for many heart attack patients but according to new research published by Walden University in Minneapolis, it might be just what the doctor ordered.

A study analysing death rates among men and women with heart disease produced a remarkable finding: individuals who enjoyed sexual activity at least once a month were half as likely to succumb to cardiac issues. 

And it’s not the only health benefit associated with sex. Several studies have explored the correlation between the frequency of sexual activity and life expectancy. One study, which tracked men aged 45 to 59 over a decade, found that the risk of death was 50 percent lower in men who reported frequent orgasms compared to those who did not.

“There are loads of benefits to having regular sex, and you don’t even you need a partner,” says Suzanne Moore, host of weekly podcast Sex Advice for Seniors.

So, if you need some motivation to get between the sheets, here are seven other reasons sex can help you live a longer – and healthier – life.

1. Sex can help reduce stress levels

Feeling stressed? Turns out, sex might be just the remedy you need. It's not just the sheer pleasure of the moment; your body's throwing a full-on hormone party. 

As Suzanne explains: “There is a whole cocktail of hormones - endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin - produced during sex, collectively designed to help improve our mood.”

Endorphins especially are known to improve our mood – they're the same chemicals released during exercise, which give us that euphoric feeling many people feel after a good workout – or pleasurable sex.”

But that's not the only stress-reducing effect it might produce – because stress hormones can elevate blood pressure, reducing stress through activities like sex can also contribute to healthier blood pressure levels.

Research suggests that women who are happy with their love lives tend to have healthier blood pressure readings. Unfortunately, the same study didn’t have such a good outlook for older men. It found that more sexual activity in older men can be linked to an increased risk of heart-related issues. 

2. It can help you manage pain better 

Turns out, sex can also be a real pain reliever, thanks to the oxytocin and endorphins your body releases. 

A large study showed that a significant percentage of people with migraines got some or even total relief after getting intimate. This natural pain-fighting effect could be a big plus, especially if you deal with ongoing aches and pains.

3. Sex can improve your sleep quality

That lovely sleepy feeling that hits you after sex?  It's not just in your head. The release of hormones like oxytocin and prolactin during and after sex promotes relaxation and drowsiness. This in turn can make it easier to fall asleep and result in a more restful night's sleep.

Better sleep, in turn, has numerous health benefits, including a stronger immune system, better mental health and improved overall well-being. If you’re one of the 29% of people who suffer from sleep issues, having sex at bedtime could be a natural and enjoyable way to help you go to sleep quicker.

4. It can have an impact on cognitive function

“There is some evidence that older people who have regular sex have better memory retention,” says Suzanne.

One study found that for adults aged 62-74, better sexual quality was associated with improved cognitive function, while for those aged 75-90, higher sexual frequency correlated with better cognition. Gender differences were also noted, with physical pleasure benefiting men's cognitive health more than women's.

As for why this happens, Suzanne believes it may just be down to how sex can improve overall wellness: “I suspect the overall feelings of happiness and wellbeing contribute to overall physical and mental health.”

It's possible that the increased blood flow during sex is a factor, helping the entire body, and particularly the brain, by providing a good supply of oxygen and nutrients. Also, the neurotransmitters released during sexual activity, like dopamine, might help with brain function. And, since sex is a stress reliever, it could also protect the formation of new brain cells, which is really important for memory.

5. Sex can boost your immune system

Forget popping numerous vitamins and minerals, it seems regular sex can actually enhance your immune system. A 2004 study found a link between regular sex (once or twice a week) and the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) produced - an antibody that plays a crucial role in the body's defence against infections.

While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, it is thought that the increased blood flow that occurs during sexual activity may help distribute antibodies throughout the body more effectively, thus bolstering the immune response.

Combine that with the immune-boosting sleep you'll get from regular sex, and you'll be batting off colds and flu like a champ!

6. Regular sex could help prevent prostate cancer

While more research needs to be done in the topic of sex and prostate cancer there are various studies that show that regular sex and ejaculation could lower the risk of getting that particular kind of cancer.

Two possible explanations exist for the potential link between regular sexual activity and prostate health: either frequent ejaculation helps remove prostate toxins, 'flushing out' the system, or the association is because of other healthy behaviours typical of men who ejaculate more often.

7. Intimacy can strengthen long-term relationships

After decades of marriage, it's easy for the spark to fade and for couples to start feeling more like housemates than lovers, but keeping that intimacy alive is key to staying connected. Suzanne points out that couples who can talk openly about sex and their desires tend to be better communicators overall. 

“They're not afraid to go to those vulnerable places in a relationship that often inhibits people in long term relationships from having pleasurable sex,” she says. 

One study from 2017, showed a strong link between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction in older adults. Couples who maintained a satisfying sexual relationship reported higher relationship quality, regardless of physical health limitations

Of course, it's not always smooth sailing. Suzanne acknowledges that mismatched libidos are a common challenge in long-term partnerships.

"It's not easy," she admits, “but for those who want to invest the time and energy in working it out, I know it helps to bring couples closer together.”