Many couples face significant emotional crises as they enter middle and old age. In addition to life pressures and menopause, a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity is also a major contributing factor. Sexual activity can serve as a means of communication between couples, and not only middle-aged individuals but also the elderly should engage in appropriate sexual activity based on their physical condition.
At what age can the elderly no longer engage in sexual activity? What are the harms of not having sexual activity for the elderly?
There is no strict rule regarding the age at which the elderly should stop engaging in sexual activity. Classical Chinese medical texts clearly state that individuals over 70 years old can engage in sexual activity according to their physical capabilities. Elderly people in good physical condition can have sexual activity once a month, while those in poor physical condition are advised against it. With the improvement in living conditions, the physical health and nutritional intake of the elderly have greatly improved. Therefore, as long as their physical condition allows, elderly individuals can engage in sexual activity at any age.
Whether the absence of sexual activity harms the elderly depends on their sexual needs and physical condition:
1、If the elderly have weak physical conditions, the absence of sexual activity can actually be a form of protection for their bodies. After all, sexual activity is a relatively intense form of exercise, and for elderly individuals with weak physical conditions, it may lead to insufficient oxygen and blood supply, and could even induce symptoms such as high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or suffocation. For some elderly with poor bone density, fractures or cracks during sexual activity are also common occurrences.
2、If the elderly have weak sexual desire, the absence of sexual activity does not harm the body, and forcing sexual activity can cause damage. As age increases, the body's hormone secretion levels gradually decline, and the decrease in sex hormone levels signifies a reduction in sexual desire. Therefore, it is a normal physiological phenomenon for sexual needs to decrease with age, and many people may only experience sexual desire once or twice a month. For such elderly individuals, sexual activity is not essential for their bodies, and the absence of it does not cause harm, while occasional sexual activity offers little benefit.
3、If the elderly are in good physical condition and have strong sexual desires, the long-term absence of sexual activity can cause various harms to the body. Many elderly individuals can maintain a certain level of sexual desire even at the ages of 80 or 90. Without sexual activity, they may experience sexual anxiety. Excessive mental stress can affect sleep quality, leading to a decline in overall physical health. Some elderly individuals may also lose self-confidence, lose faith in life, and even reduce their desire to live.
Friendly Reminder
With the continuous advancement of internet technology and the widespread dissemination of sexual knowledge, many elderly individuals have come to realize that having sexual desires is not shameful but a normal physiological phenomenon. However, many elderly people still hold outdated beliefs and suppress their desires, which can significantly reduce their quality of life.
