Sexual expression is an important aspect of relationships, especially for older adults who may have experienced changes in their physical and emotional health.
Physical changes can lead to decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm, while emotional changes such as retirement, children leaving home, and health concerns can cause stress that negatively affects sexual desire and satisfaction. These factors may contribute to relational disengagement, loneliness, and psychological distress, which can ultimately harm a couple's wellbeing. Research has shown that sexual expression can help prevent these negative outcomes by providing a sense of closeness, reducing stress, and improving mental and physical health.
Relationship quality:
Older couples with higher levels of relationship quality tend to experience less relational disengagement, loneliness, and psychological distress than those with lower relationship quality. Sexual expression plays a role in maintaining and enhancing relationship quality, as it can provide a sense of intimacy, trust, and communication between partners.
Sex can promote feelings of closeness, comfort, and connection, which can strengthen the bond between partners.
Engaging in sexual activities can increase positive communication patterns and reduce conflict within the relationship.
Stress reduction:
Stress is a common factor contributing to relational disengagement, loneliness, and psychological distress. Engaging in sexual activity releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can reduce feelings of anxiety and tension. Sexual arousal can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, causing relaxation and decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to reduced physiological symptoms associated with stress, such as increased breathing or sweating. Sexual pleasure and orgasm can be particularly effective at reducing stress, as they release dopamine and oxytocin, hormones that promote pleasure and calmness.
Physical health benefits:
Sexual activity has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, better sleep, and greater resistance to illnesses. These benefits may translate into fewer physical issues that negatively impact relationships, such as chronic conditions or hospitalization. Older adults who engage in regular sexual activity tend to have higher levels of physical functioning and energy, making them more likely to participate in other activities together, such as going out for dinner or traveling. This can contribute to overall relationship satisfaction and prevent feelings of isolation.
Psychological wellbeing:
Engaging in sexual expression promotes positive mental health by increasing self-esteem, self-confidence, and body image. It can also provide a sense of control over one's life, especially for women experiencing menopause or other changes in their bodies.
Older adults who engage in sexual activity report feeling less depressed and anxious than those who do not, suggesting that sex can help buffer against negative emotions.
Couples who share intimate moments of sexual expression are less likely to experience negative thoughts about aging or their partner's appearance.
Sexual expression is an important factor in maintaining strong and satisfying relationships among older couples. By promoting intimacy, reducing stress, improving physical health, and boosting psychological wellbeing, it can protect against relational disengagement, loneliness, and psychological distress. While individual preferences and circumstances will vary, engaging in sexual activity can be beneficial for most older adults who are physically able to do so.
Communication and consent are critical to ensuring that all parties feel comfortable and safe with the level of sexual activity engaged in.
Prioritizing sexual expression can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness throughout later years of life.
How does sexual expression protect against relational disengagement, loneliness, and psychological distress in older couples?
Sexual expression is important for maintaining close relationships between partners in their advanced years because it increases intimacy, enhances communication, and fosters emotional connection. Older people who engage in regular sex are more likely to experience lower levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness compared to those who don't (Costa et al. , 2016).