For many of us, sex has always been something we’ve enjoyed. But the truth is, as we’ve gotten older, we might not be having as much sex as we used to. Whether it’s because our bodies have changed or because we’re suddenly single, sex just isn’t what it was. That’s something we need to change! Sex isn’t just something we enjoy doing — it’s actually something our bodies need from us. Below are some of the amazing benefits of sex after 50. Hopefully they’ll be enough motivation to get you in the right mood.

1. Having sex at regular intervals keeps your mind sharp. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Coventry found that people who reported having sex regularly had improved vocabulary and visual awareness.
2. It makes it easier to have sex more frequently. Having sex regularly helps keep delicate tissues moist, which helps the body create more lubrication. As many of us know, women’s bodies change after menopause, and vaginal dryness and atrophy can make sex less enjoyable. But one of the benefits of sex after 50 is actually that it helps to reduce some of those issues. This means that the more regularly you have sex, the more you reduce the risk of pain and discomfort during sex that occur from aging.
3. It can relieve pain. Because it releases oxytocin, which increases endorphins, one of the benefits of sex after 50 is that it helps reduce pain. Endorphins make us feel better, both physically and emotionally. Specialists at the University of Münster in Germany found that sexual activity can completely relieve headaches and migraines, while others have reported that sex helps to alleviate pain associated with arthritis.
4. Men who have sex more often are less likely to get prostate cancer. It turns out that “cleaning the pipes” regularly helps lower your chances of developing prostate cancer. Scientists think this might be because infrequent ejaculations allow carcinogens to remain in the prostate. According to a study by the International Society for Sexual Medicine, this means sex could be prescribed as a medicine.
5. Sex can drastically improve your cardiovascular fitness. Sex, like any exercise, gets the blood pumping and is great for blood circulation. But one of the benefits of sex after 50 is that it’s actually associated with longer lifespans for men. One study also found that having sex frequently can help to prevent heart attacks and other coronary events.
6. Sex helps you sleep better. Having sex is connected to getting more and better-quality sleep, which is great for those of us struggling with insomnia and sleeping through the night! Arousal and orgasm release oxytocin and decrease cortisol (known as the “stress hormone”). That means that one of the benefits of sex after 50 is that it’s easier to fall asleep. Sex helps to shut down areas of the brain linked to stress, fear, and anxiety. And it’s a good thing that sex helps you sleep better, because better sleep means better sex! A report from the journal Menopause surveyed more than 93,000 women between 50 and 79 years old. They found that shorter periods of sleep correlated with lower sexual satisfaction. So, make sure to get plenty of rest!
7. Having sex can make you look younger. Researchers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital found that people who have sex regularly look an average of 5 to 7 years younger. In some cases, those having regular sex looked up to 10 years younger than those who rarely had sex. While this might be enough for you to have sex more often, the reasons for it are still unclear. It could be from the hormones released during sex, or because people who have sex more tend to already pay more attention to their appearance, diet, and exercise.
8. Physical intimacy strengthens relationships. This doesn’t just mean sex! Kissing, cuddling, hugging, and holding hands all help to increase marital satisfaction among those aged 58-85 (according to a 2014 study). One of the most important benefits of sex after 50 is that sex helps to reduce depression and increase happiness. So, it should come as no surprise that couples who are more regularly having sex are happier. As individuals, they’re also more likely to be happier overall.

It’s time for you to enjoy the benefits of sex after 50! Join 50more.com for Free today to find friends, singles, and people to scare into love near you. There’s more to life, and there’s more to you.