Exercise is good for you at any age but if you’re over 50, keeping physically fit takes on a whole other meaning. It’s about staving off disease, keeping your cognitive capabilities strong, boosting your mental health, and remaining confident in your body.
Swimming, in particular, is known to offer all that and more for older adults. We’re talking cardiovascular exercise, pain management, a boost in stability and flexibility, and support for your spine and joints. Unlike high-impact workouts that involve landing on the ground, swimming involves a natural resistance that is considered a lot gentler on your joints.
It might also be the little-known exercise that helps you maintain a healthy sex life as you age. According to a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health that looked at 166 master athletes (older athletes), both male and female participants showed more frequent sexual desire and a higher level of participation in a diverse range of sexual activities like kissing, hugging, touching, caressing, sex, oral sex, and masturbation. While the men in the group had a lower degree of erectile dysfunction (ED), the women displayed a greater degree of sexual interest and sexual satisfaction when compared with the general population. The findings reflected a contrast between the declining sexual interest in the ageing general population as opposed to the masters’ athletes.
The physical benefits of swimming that influence your sex life
Swimming is both an aerobic and strength-training exercise, which means it employs the large muscle groups in your body in rhythmic and repetitive motions while also creating resistance (thanks to the water) to tone and strengthen your muscles. The exercise boosts your sex life by helping you look and behave as though you were younger. Some older research noted swimmers in their 60s had just as much sex and were just as sexually satisfied as people 20 years their junior.
Dealing with chronic health conditions as you age, like heart disease or arthritis, can put a damper on your sex life. Swimming can help in that department too. A 2014 study published in BioMed Research International found that high-intensity intermittent swimming improved cardiovascular health and physical performance in sedentary women with mild hypertension. A 2016 study published in The Journal of Rheumatology found that regular swimming significantly improved osteoarthritis-related joint pain, stiffness, and physical limitation while improving quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. The exercise also improved muscle strength and functional capacity in the subjects.
Additionally, swimming works out parts of your body that you typically use during sex, like your pelvic floor muscles, hips, core, and thighs. Keeping these areas strong and flexible can’t hurt when it comes to sex over 50.
The mental health benefits of exercise that transfer to your bedroom
It’s not just menopause that affects your sex drive. The responsibilities of life (work, planning for retirement, finances, children, grandchildren, etc.) coupled with any health concerns you may have can add a significant amount of mental stress as you age. This can directly influence your sex life. There’s something to be said about being in the water. The cooling and comforting feel of it combined with physical movement makes your brain release feel-good chemicals — endorphins — while reducing stress. Research has looked at how swimmers come away feeling less tense, depressed, angry, and confused after swimming. There’s also an increase in vigour after the exercise. Swimming reduces stress and combats anxiety too.
Plus, since swimming is a full-body workout that helps you look good, it can boost your confidence levels, as noted in the 2022 study. The research shared that an increase in sexual activity could partly be attributed to how swimmers feel about their bodies. Elevated levels of body satisfaction could boost confidence and positively influence sexual behaviour.
If you’re already a swimmer and you’re continuing the exercise into your golden years, then congratulations. You have another reason to keep at it. For those of you over 50 thinking about taking up swimming, getting the okay from your doctor might be a good way to start things off. Also, start slow (even if it means you have to learn swimming from an instructor) and work yourself up to more intense sessions. As with any form of exercise, it’s about knowing your body and understanding what works for you.