Health care for elderly men: Understanding the meaning and value of sex life in old age

What is the significance of sex life in the elderly?

Like appetite, sexual desire accompanies a person throughout life; it is a basic physiological and psychological need. Although the sexual ability of the elderly declines compared to middle-aged people, it does not mean a complete loss of sexual ability. The saying "Old age with passion is a sign of longevity" illustrates that maintaining a balanced and regular sex life in the elderly is a symbol of health, a sign of longevity, and a necessity for extending lifespan.

Many middle-aged and young people are surprised and puzzled when they learn that most elderly people still have sexual desires and engage in sexual activity. Even elderly men and women themselves do not all understand the purpose and significance of sex. Many people hold prejudices or scoff at sexual activity in the elderly mainly because they don't understand why the elderly still engage in sex. Once they understand the significance of sex, they will certainly understand and support it. When they themselves approach their twilight years, they will also experience it firsthand and deeply appreciate its meaning.

Sexual life, as an important component of human emotional and spiritual life, should also occupy its due place in the lives of the elderly. Its significance lies in the following aspects:

1. Sexual intimacy is a bond that deepens the affection between elderly couples.

Sexual intimacy and romantic love are the two wings and foundation of marriage. Marriage is formed through the union of the sexes. However, if attention is not paid to maintaining, deepening, and enriching the emotional life of a couple, any external force will bring disastrous consequences to the marriage. Sexual intimacy is the best additive to marital affection. "A night of intimacy brings a hundred days of kindness." Sexual intimacy is not only an enjoyment or obligation between husband and wife, but also a shared right to pursue the perfect fusion of body and soul. Normal, pure, and reasonable sexual intimacy conforms to humanistic requirements; this is true for young and middle-aged couples, and even more so for elderly couples in a harmonious marital relationship. In their world as a couple, through sexual activity, they can still express their feelings, affection, respect, and loyalty to each other. Through the bond of sexual intimacy, their mutual love and sense of belonging can be firmly united. Conversely, those who hold "improper," "flirtatious," or "shameful" views on sex in old age, and subsequently abstain from sexual activity altogether, actually harm marital relationships, causing them to drift apart and unable to enjoy the happiness and sense of belonging that comes with "a young couple growing old together." This is regrettable. Currently, the average lifespan of the elderly is around 75 years. If we take the average marriage age of 25 as the starting point, couples will spend approximately 50 years together from age 25 to 75. The nearly 20 years between ages 55 and 75 account for about two-fifths of their married life, almost half. Completely abstaining from physical intimacy during this period is not only inconceivable but also dangerous; the marital bond could easily weaken or even break down.

2. Preventing Premature Aging and Degeneration of Sexual Organs

Like other organs, sexual organs follow the principle of "use it or lose it." Moderate sexual activity in the elderly can stimulate the continuous secretion of sex hormones, preventing premature atrophy and degeneration of sexual organs. For men over 60, several satisfying and regular sexual encounters per month can boost energy, improve mood, and enhance confidence, thus optimizing nervous system function. Infrequent or premature cessation of intercourse can lead to prostate congestion after sexual arousal and insufficient discharge of prostatic fluid, increasing the risk of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and seminal vesiculitis.

Furthermore, long-term sexual repression in men can cause psychogenic sexual dysfunction, manifesting as penile congestion and erectile dysfunction, medically known as "disuse atrophy." Conversely, having a sexually active partner can extend sexual activity into the 70s and 80s, or even longer.

For women, maintaining good sexual function in later life can lead to more regular menstrual cycles, prevent vaginal dryness due to insufficient lubrication, and reduce the likelihood of painful or difficult intercourse. After menopause, sexual stimulation leads to continued secretion of sex hormones, resulting in milder menopausal symptoms and a lower risk of gynecological diseases. Numerous studies have shown that older women who have never had sexual intercourse experience greater atrophy of their sexual organs compared to their sexually active counterparts. Prolonged lack of sexual satisfaction in older women can lead to chronic pelvic congestion, which over time can cause chronic nutritional deficiencies in the pelvic organs, resulting in various gynecological problems such as increased vaginal discharge, lower back pain, leg pain, and fatigue. Furthermore, prolonged sexual repression can cause psychological imbalance, leading to nervous system dysfunction, neurasthenia, and symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, irritability, and ultimately, psychogenic sexual dysfunction.

3. A fulfilling and enjoyable sex life can combat aging and prolong life.

New Zealand experts point out that sexual activity, like swimming or cycling, burns an average of 7 calories per minute, or 30,000 joules of energy. This is second only to jogging and aerobics, which burn 9.5 calories per minute, or 40,000 joules of energy. Sexual activity involves more movement of the pelvis, limbs, joints, muscles, and spine, increasing heart rate, accelerating blood circulation, increasing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, deepening respiration, and increasing the workload on the heart—essentially a workout for the heart and lungs. For older adults, sexual activity is a form of moderate and relaxing exercise.

A pleasurable, enjoyable, and harmonious sex life allows them to reassure themselves that their bodies and internal organs are still functioning well, feeling youthful, as if their twilight years are not too late, and experiencing a vibrant sunset. Confidence in their sexual abilities allows them to experience the beauty and romance of life in their later years, enhancing their enjoyment and confidence in their later years.

The reason why a fulfilling sex life in old age is considered a "sign of longevity" is because maintaining a moderate sex life in the elderly is itself a symbol of good health, physical fitness, and longevity. It also implies that sexual activity is beneficial for extending lifespan. Dr. Masanori Asanaga of the University of Tokyo points out in his book "Preventing Brain Aging" that appropriate sexual activity helps maintain brain youth and prevent brain aging. He believes that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are specifically responsible for secreting sex hormones. Sexual activity stimulates this part, ensuring a sustained and regular secretion of hormones, promoting blood circulation and various aspects of metabolism. Studies have shown that a loving and moderate sex life between spouses can lead to the secretion of hormones beneficial to health, such as enzymes and acetylcholine, and an increase in the secretion of β-endorphins. These hormones can regulate blood flow, nerve cell excitability, and physiological and psychological functions to an optimal state, thereby ensuring a good appetite, sound sleep, abundant energy, enhanced macrophage and interferon activity, improved disease resistance, and thus contributing to longevity. Scientific research shows that the allure and pleasure of love possesses a powerful immune-boosting effect. Renowned biochemist Kaplan claimed that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, two tiny organs, play a significant role in love. He measured the indices of the human immune system, showing that these indices are significantly higher in couples living in close companionship than in those living alone.

Surveys of centenarians also reaffirm that a harmonious and stable marital life is indeed an important factor in longevity. Looking at centenarians both domestically and internationally, few remained single throughout their lives; many centenarians spent their later years with their spouses, growing old together in companionship.

A scholar conducted a survey on sexuality among 300 students at a senior university. Regarding the necessity of sexual activity for the elderly, approximately 70% believed they "should have sex," only 18% "didn't want to," only 13% "dared not have sex," and only 0.3% opposed it. In many people's minds, sex is a "privilege" reserved for young and middle-aged people; the elderly have neither the need nor the ability to engage in sexual activity. Therefore, they often consciously or unconsciously deprive the elderly of the right, conditions, and environment to have sex. The elderly's answers to the above questions provide the best explanation. Surveys show that the vast majority of elderly people choose to have sex, believing it to be a legitimate right for elderly couples. This indicates that the sexual psychology of the vast majority of elderly people is healthy and normal. They not only think this way but also act accordingly. However, a portion of elderly people still find sex meaningless; this is more common among women than men, indicating that men have a more urgent understanding of the necessity of sex than women, due to differences in physiological factors and sexual attitudes. A small number of elderly people fear the impact of sex on their health and therefore avoid it. Among these individuals, the main concern is that sex may affect their health and worsen existing illnesses. This is why they have this psychological state; their reluctance is not due to a lack of desire. Therefore, society and their children should provide the environment and conditions for the elderly to engage in sexual activity, including helping widowed or divorced elderly people find new partners.