Frequent Sexual Activity Is Linked To Improved Memory In Older Adults
Older adults who frequently have sexual intercourse are less likely to experience cognitive decline, according to new research. The study, published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), found that people aged 50 and above who had more frequent intercourse were better able to recall names and numbers than those who didn't. The results suggest that regular sexual activity may be an important part of maintaining good mental health for older adults.
The study was conducted by Dr. Debby Herbenick and colleagues at Indiana University School of Public Health. They recruited 69 participants from a university-affiliated medical center, all of whom were between the ages of 50 and 89. Each participant completed a questionnaire about their sexual history and underwent tests to measure memory function. These included recalling lists of words and objects, as well as naming objects.
Herbenick and her team then analyzed the data to see if there was any correlation between frequency of sex and performance on these tests. They found that those who reported having more frequent sex performed better on both types of memory tasks. This effect was particularly pronounced for those with higher levels of education and income.
"Our findings suggest that engaging in regular sexual activity could help preserve cognitive function in older age," said Herbenick. "This is exciting because it suggests that something we often think of as just fun can actually have important benefits for our brains."
However, she cautions that further research is needed to confirm this link and understand exactly how sex might protect against cognitive decline. It's possible that other factors could also play a role, such as physical exercise or social interaction. Additionally, the sample size in the current study was small, so larger studies would be necessary to confirm the findings.
Nevertheless, the results are promising and add to growing evidence that sex has numerous health benefits beyond simply pleasure and procreation. A previous study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine showed that men who had intercourse at least twice a week had lower rates of heart disease than those who didn't. And another study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who had sex more frequently were less likely to develop breast cancer.
So what does this mean for you? If you're over 50 and looking to keep your mind sharp, consider adding regular sexual activity to your routine. It may not be a magic bullet for preventing cognitive decline, but it certainly seems like it can't hurt!