Double standards: Sex is OK for older women, but places older men at risk of heart attacks
A study by the National Center for Health Statistics, released in July, found that millennials were having less sex compared to their parents. A new research led by a Michigan State University (MSU) scholar says good sex may be good for older women, but risky for older men.
The double standards, which would affect the sex life of grandparents of millennials, is because of higher risks of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems on older men if they have sex frequently. However, for older women, good sex may even lower their risk of hypertension, says Hui Liu, MSU associate professor of sociology.
The study, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, analysed survey data of 2,204 people in the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project who were aged 57 to 85 in 2005-06 when the first wave of data was collected. There was a second round of data collection in 2010-11.
It measured cardiovascular risks as hypertension, rapid heart rate, elevated C-reactive protein and the general cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Hui says the study found have sex once or more a week placed older men at risk of experiencing cardiovascular events twice greater than men who are sexually inactive. Also at high risk are older men who found sex with their partner extremely pleasurable or satisfying.
She explains the negative impact of sex on older men to more exertion compared to younger men to achieve an orgasm, placing more strain on the heart of the senior men. The difficulty in reaching orgasm could be due to medical or emotional reasons, says Hui, reports New York Post.
She adds high testosterone levels and use of drugs to boost sexual function could contribute to harmful effect on older men’s hearts. But Hui says moderate amounts of sex may promote health among elder men.
It is the opposite for older women because of the female sex hormone released during orgasm and the effect of good quality relationships help improve elder women’s health. Hui points out, “Men in all relationships, regardless of quality, are more likely to receive support from their partner than are women. However, only women in good quality relationships may acquire such benefits from their partner.”
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Source: BottomLineInc
