If sex is central to your lifestyle and happiness at age 30, it will probably still be important at age 60. Researchers from the University of California in San Francisco analyzed physical intimacy, as well as partner support or conflict, overall relationship satisfaction and stress in 129 mothers in long-term relationships. Blood samples were taken from the study’s participants to determine their telomere length. The preliminary study found that women who reported having sex with their partner during the course of the week tended to have significantly longer telomeres, the protective end caps on our DNA.

‘Some people buy into the stereotype that older people don’t have sex. But in fact, many people remain sexually active throughout their lives.’

Relationship satisfaction, stress and partner support or conflict had no impact on telomere length. Lead researcher Tomas Cabeza de Baca said that over time, shortened telomeres may contribute to chronic degenerative diseases and premature mortality. He added, “Sexual intimacy may dampen the effects of stress by down-regulating stress response systems and up-regulating immune response.

Over time, these patterns of stress function should result in longer telomere length,” PsyPost reported. The findings were published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Source: ANI