Step 95: Be Sexy, Be Fit

As sex is identified as a major quality-of-life issue, it is appropriate to inquire whether being physically fit enhances late-life sexuality. There have been only a few studies that addressed the topic. Dr. Jim White at the University of California in San Diego selected 95 sedentary middle-aged men who exercised briskly for one hour three times a week for nine months. Those men who worked hardest at the workouts reported more frequent sexual activity, a more reliable function during sex and a higher percentage of quality orgasms. The control group reported no such changes. No pain, no gain.

Exercise Helps Circulation

The penis is a vascular organ. Exercise is a potent stimulator of circulation (although erections during physical activity would seem unlikely). Exercise is an effective technique in correcting erectile difficulties. How much of the benefit derives from a tune-up of the vascular system and how much derives from an increased sense of self-esteem (the active exercise group also lost 19 percent of body fat) is unknown. But everyone acknowledges that the brain is the most important sex organ. Anything that improves the brain's image of self is bound to improve sexuality.

Several years ago my son Walter and I did a survey of the sex habits of the men over 70 who belong to the Fifty-Plus Fitness Association. Of 38 members, average age 75, 58 percent still rated their sex lives as good or very good, another 23 percent fair, and only 19 percent reported their sex lives as poor. The original 1948 Kinsey Report recorded that 55 percent of 75-year-old men were impotent. Our small survey would indicate that an active group does far better.

Healthful Living Leads to Good Sex

What about women? It is clear that physical exercise is a wonderful assistance to some of the changes associated with menopause. Fitness evens out many of the bumps and also adds immeasurably to older women's sense of confidence, health and independence. For a large number of women, the quality of their sexual lives improves after menopause. Being physically fit helps. Exercise mandates a continued body awareness, which is a further health and sex benefit. Continued engagement in all aspects of healthful living leads to good sex.

Good sex is good for your health. Good health is good for your sexuality. Be fit and sexy -- hopefully until 100.