Sex less beneficial for men and more beneficial for women at age 50+

In one of those incredibly rare cases where things work out better for women than for men, it appears a regular, robust sex life into a man's late-50s through mid-80s is linked to an increased risk of heart problems like stroke and heart attack. For women, however, there doesn't appear to be any risk for illness at all - if anything, women who have "highly enjoyable" sex as they age tend to have lower blood pressure.


From that pool of participants, the researchers found that men in their late 50s through early 80s who have sex at least once a week have double the risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular issues over the next five years, compared to men who didn't regularly engage in sex. And health outcomes are even more grim for men who have enjoyable sex - the researchers found that men who enjoyed sex the most were more likely to suffer heart problems.


Women in their mid-50s through early-80s, on the other hand, seem to benefit from regular, good sex. It has pretty much the exact opposite effect on women compared to men, in lowering women's blood pressure and decreasing the risk of future heart problems. So! What are older folks in heterosexual relationships supposed to do? The study doesn't necessarily offer up any suggestions - but maybe take all this into account if you're someone who has sex with a man in the study's 57- to 85-year-old age bracket. Be careful out there and exercise caution. A sex-induced heart attack sounds like the least sexy way to finish.