Importance of Intimacy for Mature Adults

Comedian and nonagenarian George Burns quipped that “you can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

The stereotypical vision of baby boomers would have us all believing that seniors are quietly playing Bingo or shuffling along at the nursing home – waiting for their last days.

This could not be further from the truth. 

The National Council on Aging reports that an active sex life appears to be “as normal a part of aging as retirement and having grandchildren.”

Sex & Aging: The Benefits Of Intimacy In The Senior Years

Let’s look at some statistics to see the importance of intimacy for mature adults.

According to Global Action on Aging, over 80% of mature adults 60-65 are sexually active.  Those number drop with advancing years but over 25% of men and women over the age 80 also report that they are sexually active.  This is good news for older adults because as we age our need for physical intimacy does not diminish rather it may increase due to a physical impairment or feelings of isolation.

There are many benefits to intimacy for seniors:

Feeling Connected To Others

As social beings we all need that sense of connection to others that wards off feelings of isolation and depression.  This does not mean that to feel connected you need to have intercourse   – rather snuggling, hand holding and hugging can also bring on that sense of connecting with others.

Exercise

Sexual intercourse or other methods of intimacy many times have a physical component that can aid with muscle elasticity, muscle strength and improving heart rate.  Even a small amount of exercise can stop muscle atrophy. In medical studies regular touch has shown to lower blood pressure and slow heart rates.

Anxiety Reduction

Whether it is a simple touch to help someone get up and down in a chair, combing someone’s hair, or the more intimate act of “making whoopee”, each level of intimacy makes us feel more secure and reassured.  Studies have even shown that even the touch of a beloved pet can have the beneficial effects of reducing tension.

The message is clear that intimacy is beneficial mentally, emotionally and physically.  Without the fears of your younger years such as a  child walking in or having to get up early for work or even stressing about physical performance, the senior years may make sex better than ever!  While adaptations may need to be made to make this a more pleasurable activity as you age, it will most certainly improve your confidence, mood and even your health!

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