Lasting Longer: What "Sexspan" Is and Why It Matters

One need not stretch one’s imagination much to intuit that good sex is good for you, both in the moment and down the road. And research backs it up.

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For example, regarding the short term, a study by Yoobin Park of the University of California and colleagues (2024) analyzed two experience sampling datasets (N = 8,452) to examine changes in sleep, cardiovascular responses, and affect in the morning following sex. Their results showed both between-person associations, linking more positive daily health outcomes to more sexually active individuals, as well as within-person associations, suggesting that people regardless of gender or relationship status who had sex the previous night experienced better sleep quality, fewer sleep disturbances, lower blood pressure, less stress, more positive affect, and better coping in the morning.

It is also true in the long term. Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health, and sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of life satisfaction. Sex may help you live longer, especially if you consider this aspect of life important.

A 2022 study by Shanice Beerepoot and colleagues examined the association between sexuality and longevity and the factors that may shape the link. Using longitudinal data from a large (N=1,042) Dutch sample of middle aged and older adults, the researchers tracked sexual activity and survival for 27 years. Sixty percent of the participants reported their sexuality was enjoyable and 44 percent characterized it as important. Enjoyment of sexuality was positively associated with longevity, but only in those who perceived sexuality as important.

As with other aspects of health that relate to performance, the rule for sex is "use it or lose it." A key to having regular sex down the road is to have regular sex now. A 2025 study from Chinese urologist Mutong Chen, analyzing 15,794 U.S. adults ages 20–59, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2016) found that sexual frequency of 1-2 times per week had the optimal effect in reducing depression and may be considered a benchmark for positive sexual and mental health.

Understanding and Improving Your "Sexspan"

The increasing interest in issues of sexuality and longevity has produced a new term, “sexspan,” coined by Dr. Mohit Khera, a urologist at Baylor College of Medicine to refer to prolonging sexual activity as far as possible into old age. Just as medicine has long been interested in prolonging people’s lives while retaining quality (aka “health span”), the concept of sexspan applies a similar approach to sexuality. The longer we can have good sex, the better, goes the (compelling) logic.

Not surprisingly, just as the recent interest in extending (maxxing) one’s health span and longevity appears to have intensified first among the super wealthy, so is the new interest in increasing the sexspan. Yet neither interest need remain exclusive to social higher ups. Good health and good sex are beneficial to all.

But how to go about improving your sexspan? Sex into old age requires addressing several distinct yet related domains of influence.

1. Ageism and stigma: While sexual activity tends to persist into old age, our culture celebrates youthful sex and sexuality. Depictions and discussions of healthy, pleasurable sex among older people are scarce. Older adults interested in sex may often be depicted (and viewed) as creepy, predatory, pathetic, or unhinged. "Proper" elders are de-sexualized or viewed as uninterested in sexual activity. Consequently, older adults' sexual concerns are more readily ignored or dismissed. Physicians and other health professionals are often reluctant to inquire with older patients about their sexual health and enjoyment. Older people who wish to prolong their satisfying sex lives must resist internalizing societal stigma and remain proactive and assertive about maintaining their sexual health.
2. Sex-specific concerns: Maintaining and enhancing sexual health and activity into old age requires different kinds of adaptations and interventions for men and women. Men often have to contend with erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and the attendant psychological impact of performance anxiety. Women, for their part, must contend with the transition into menopause and the attendant hormonal and bodily changes, including reduced lubrication and vaginal atrophy, which may impact sexual desire and pleasure. Social expectations and pressure to remain young-looking create stress and may undermine self confidence. Older couples must communicate openly with each other and with their healthcare professionals about these challenges so as to address them effectively.
3. Lifestyle choices: Sexual health, like health in general, depends in large part on our habits and choices. Here as elsewhere, trendy hacks and tricks are less likely to prove beneficial than the "usual suspects," for which ample evidence has accumulated: sleep well; eat food (as opposed to food products), exercise and move your body regularly; nurture your nurturing social connections; and manage stress.
4. Partner issues: Most satisfying sex happens between mutually involved and attentive partners. Partnered sex involves more moving parts than solitary sex, and the parts, alas, are bound to show some wear and tear over time. Diseases and conditions prevalent or unique to old age (heart problems, arthritis, medication side effects, diabetes, incontinence, etc.) are bound to challenge one or both partners. Often, the frequency and quality of your sexual activity will depend in large part on the health and state of mind of your partner. Good communication is, as always, one important prerequisite, as sexual behaviors and expectations need to be recalibrated in light of the partners’ shifting abilities and concerns. What worked once may not work anymore. As physical flexibility decreases, psychological flexibility needs to increase. Adjustments must be made. A supportive partner will prove to be a major asset in the accommodative process of keeping the sex good and going.