RESEARCH: Sex is risky for older men but good for women

Constant sexual activity by older men puts them at risk of heart complications.

According to a study published in the journal of health and social behaviour, older men who often have sex can have hypertension, rapid heart rate, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and other cardiovascular events.

During the course of the study, researchers examined 2,204 people between the ages 57 to 85.

The candidates were interviewed five years later, and it was discovered that men who reported having at least weekly sex were more likely to report experiencing heart problems compared to men who were not sexually active.

Women who enjoy “good” sexual intercourse were found to have no risk of having cardiovascular events.

In fact, the study asserts that sex is healthy for older women as opposed to men.

“We consider characteristics of partnered sexuality of older men and women, particularly sexual activity and sexual quality, as they affect cardiovascular risk”, said Hui Liu, associate professor of sociology, Michigan State University.

Liu, who spearheaded the study, further said: “We find that older men are more likely to report being sexually active, having sex more often, and more enjoyably than are older women.

“Results from cross-lagged models suggest that high frequency of sex is positively related to later risk of cardiovascular events for men but not women, whereas good sexual quality seems to protect women but not men from cardiovascular risk in later life.”

“We find no evidence that poor cardiovascular health interferes with later sexuality for either gender.”