Exercise is good for people of any age, but if you’re over 50, staying fit takes on a completely different meaning. It’s about preventing disease, maintaining strong cognitive abilities, promoting mental health, and maintaining confidence in your body.
Swimming, in particular, is known to provide seniors with all of this and more. We’re talking about cardiovascular exercise, pain management, increased stability and mobility, and support for the spine and joints. Unlike high-intensity workouts that involve landing, swimming involves natural resistance and is considered to be much less damaging to the joints.
This may also be a little-known exercise that can help you maintain a healthy sex life as you age. according to a Study in 2022 A study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health surveyed 166 masters athletes (older athletes) and found that both male and female participants reported more frequent sexual desire and higher levels of participation in various sexual activities. Such as kissing, hugging, touching, caressing, sex, oral sex and masturbation. Although men in this group had lower levels of erectile dysfunction (ED), women showed higher levels of sexual interest and satisfaction compared with the general population. The findings reflect the contrast between declining sexual interest in the aging population and that of master-level athletes.
The physical benefits of swimming can affect your sex life
Swimming is both an aerobic and strength training exercise, meaning it utilizes the large muscle groups in the body to perform rhythmic, repetitive movements while also creating resistance (due to the water) to tone and strengthen muscles. This exercise can help you look and act like you were younger, improving your sex life. In fact, some older Research Remarkably, swimmers in their 60s had just as much sex and sexual satisfaction as those 20 years younger.
As you age, dealing with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or arthritis, can hinder your sex life. Swimming can also help with this. one Study in 2014 Research published in Biomedical Research International found that high-intensity intermittent swimming improved cardiovascular health and physical function in sedentary women with mild hypertension. one Study in 2016 Research published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that regular swimming can significantly improve joint pain, stiffness and physical limitations associated with osteoarthritis, while improving the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults. The exercise also improved subjects' muscle strength and functional abilities.
Additionally, swimming exercises parts of your body that you typically use during sex, such as your pelvic floor muscles, glutes, core, and thighs. For those over 50, it doesn’t hurt to keep these areas strong and flexible.
The mental health benefits of exercise can transfer to your bedroom, too
It’s not just menopause that affects libido. As you age, life’s responsibilities (job, retirement planning, finances, children, grandchildren, etc.) as well as any health issues you may have can put a huge amount of mental stress on you. This will directly affect your sex life. There’s something to be said about being in the water. The feeling of cool comfort combined with physical movement allows your brain to release feel-good chemicals – endorphins – while reducing stress. Research studied how swimmers felt less nervous, frustrated, angry and confused after swimming. Vitality will also increase after exercise. Swimming reduces stress and eliminates anxiety.
Plus, as a 2022 study points out, since swimming is a full-body workout that makes you look better, it can boost your confidence. Research suggests that the increase in sexual activity may be partly attributable to how swimmers feel about their bodies. Increased body satisfaction can boost confidence and have a positive impact on sexual behavior.
If you are already a swimmer and continue the sport into your golden years, congratulations. You have another reason to hang on. For people over 50 who want to start swimming, getting your doctor’s permission may be a good way to get started. Also, start slow (even if it means you have to learn to swim from an instructor) and then push yourself into more intense classes. As with any form of exercise, the key is to know your body and know what works for you.