Gaby
A new study from the team at Yamagata University has revealed that men with a stronger sex drive—libido—are 69 percent less likely to die than their peers.
Over the course of seven years, researchers examined the health of 8,500 older men. Those who reported a high libido at the beginning of the study demonstrated a 69 percent lower risk of dying from any cause by the end.
Scientists believe that a low sex drive is indicative of poor overall health, often linked to poor nutrition, obesity, or other chronic illnesses.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team aimed to track the well-being of 20,969 residents from seven cities in Japan: 8,558 men and 12,411 women, all over the age of forty.
At the start of the study, all participants were asked if they were interested in sex. Those who answered “yes” were considered to have a sexual interest, while those who said “no” were deemed to lack sexual interest.
According to the Daily Mail, 82 percent of the surveyed men reported being sexually active.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers analyzed the number of deaths from various causes. It turned out that men who reported a strong sex drive were 69 percent less likely to die than those with a low libido.
The research team concluded that men who show interest in sex tend to live longer, regardless of their marital status. They believe that a healthy sex life is associated with positive mental and physical health. Experts recommended that couples engage in sexual activity at least once or twice a week.
Professor Kaori Sakurada, the lead author of the study, noted, “A lack of interest in sex among men may be linked to an unhealthy lifestyle.” She added that among male participants who reported a lack of sexual desire, there were more smokers and individuals with diabetes. According to the researcher, disinterest in intimate pleasures “can trigger a range of inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and immune responses.” The expert also reminded us that sexual activity reduces stress and inflammation while boosting mood.
What About Women?
Seventy-nine percent of female participants expressed interest in sex. Those women who admitted to being indifferent to intimacy were the oldest among those surveyed. Most women with low libido were divorced and abstained from alcohol. Researchers found no connection between women’s sex drive and their lifespan.
