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Key points
- Many studies indicate that sexual activity has positive effects on the elderly.
- Some recent research also revealed that sexually active older people have lower mortality.
- Maintaining a regular sex life in older adults is associated with overall health.
"Sexual intercourse is kicking death in the ass while singing."
–Charles Bukowski
A well-known theory of aging is “the disposable soma theory,” which biologist Thomas Kirkwood proposed in the 1970s. This theory posits a trade-off between reproduction and the maintenance of the body (or soma). Based on the disposable soma theory, natural selection prefers traits that enhance reproductive success over those that promote longevity, and nature tends to preserve the younger ones, who are generally more fertile. This implies that resources, such as energy and nutrients, are preferentially allocated to reproduction rather than to the repair and maintenance of somatic cells and tissues. Consequently, the body accumulates damage over time, leading to aging and death. Therefore, this theory suggests that aging is an inevitable outcome of evolutionary strategies to prioritize reproductive success over longevity.1 Although this perspective may seem harsh, it appears to be scientifically valid. Apart from its reproductive aspects, can it be assumed that more sexual activity in older people somehow tricks the body and contributes to a longer lifespan? Can we deceive nature that we are still active and say, don't throw us away?
Living organisms fulfill two essential functions: acquiring energy from the environment, either as autotrophs or heterotrophs as we learned in biology courses, and reproducing to pass on their genetic material. From the biological perspective, our bodies strive to survive to successfully find a partner and reproduce. Therefore, sexual relationships are not merely animalistic behaviors; rather, they are a fundamental aspect of saving our species. This biological aspect of human life may disappoint those who believe that humans are the pinnacle of living beings. However, intelligence prevents us from tearing each other apart in the pursuit of desires.
According to a paper published in 2012, castrated men in the Korean emperor's palace lived longer than noncastrated men. The researchers found that the average lifespan of Korean eunuchs was approximately 70 years, which is significantly longer—by about 14.4 to 19.1 years—than that of noncastrated ones with similar socioeconomic backgrounds.2 Despite the aforementioned study, numerous other studies have demonstrated that sexual activity positively impacts the health of older adults and may be associated with increased longevity. Active sexuality in older adults promotes cardiovascular health, stress reduction, immunity improvement, and emotional intimacy and can lead to fulfillment in relationships and social connections. They also often enjoy their lives more, which is an important factor in longevity. However, some individual differences may arise due to cultural values and physical characteristics.
Does sexual frequency influence longevity?
A new study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health explored the relationship between depression, sexual frequency, and all-cause mortality. The study involved 14,542 adults aged 20 to 59. The findings indicate that women who engage in sexual activity less than once a week face a 70 percent increased risk of mortality compared to those who are more active. Notably, individuals experiencing both depression and low sexual frequency exhibit a staggering 197 percent higher risk of death compared to those with depression alone. The study also highlights that while frequent sex may enhance cardiovascular health and alleviate some adverse effects of depression, excessive sexual activity can increase mortality risk for men. Overall, the research underscores the significance of sexual frequency as a potential factor in health disparities and mortality risk across different demographics.3
Libido in elderly men often declines due to physiological changes associated with aging; however, many continue to engage in sexual activities well into their later years. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of men aged 60 to 69 remain sexually active, with 86 percent reporting lovemaking. The numbers do show a slight decrease in older age brackets.4 In another epidemiological study, researchers observed a significant increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction over time, noting that both erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual activity were linked to higher mortality rates, especially when not adjusted for depression. Ultimately, the research suggests that sexual dysfunction may function more as a biomarker for overall health rather than as an independent risk factor for mortality in older men.5
Are the benefits of sexual activity in the elderly contradicted by the disposable soma theory?
It appears that nature is deceived by the continuation of sexual activity in the elderly and does not rush to discard us—just joking! However, this theory, if true, does not necessarily imply that sexual activity in older adults is harmful to health. Studies have indicated that sexual activity in older individuals may be associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, improved cognitive function, and better mood. These benefits may be due to the release of endorphins and other hormones during sex, which can positively impact both body and mind. Life is fleeting, and our bodies are made to enjoy reproductive behaviors; thus, even in the elderly, where reproduction is not the primary goal, sexuality contributes positively to overall health and well-being. These advantages accentuate the complexity of aging beyond mere evolutionary imperatives.
It's important to note that while studies suggest a correlation between sexual activity and longevity, they do not necessarily establish causation. Other factors, such as overall health, lifestyle, and genetics, also play a significant role in determining longevity. Furthermore, the quality of sexual activity and the presence of a supportive relationship may be more important than frequency alone.
In summary, while sexual activity may contribute to longevity through various mechanisms, it is only one factor that influences overall health and lifespan. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, following a balanced diet, and fostering strong social connections, is also essential for promoting longevity.
References
1. Drenos, F., & Kirkwood, T. B. (2005). Modelling the disposable soma theory of ageing. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 126(1), 99–103.
2. Min KJ, Lee CK, Park HN. The lifespan of Korean eunuchs. Curr Biol. 2012 Sep 25;22(18):R792–3.
3. Banerjee, Srikanta, Anderson, Peter, & Davis, W. Sumner. (2024). Connection Between Depression, Sexual Frequency, and All-cause Mortality: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 6(1), 35–44.
4. Steckenrider J. Sexual activity of older adults: let's talk about it. Lancet Healthy Longev. 2023 Mar;4(3):e96–e97.
5. Hsu B, Hirani V, Naganathan V, Blyth FM, Le Couteur DG, Seibel MJ, Waite LM, Handelsman DJ, Cumming RG. Sexual Function and Mortality in Older Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2017 Apr 1;72(4):520–527.
