Gaby
A new study from Yamagata University found that men with a stronger sex drive—libido—were 69 percent less likely to die during the study period than men who reported no sexual interest.
Over seven years, researchers tracked the health of 8,558 older men. Those who reported sexual interest at the start had a 69 percent lower risk of death from any cause by the end of the follow-up.
The study suggests that a low sex drive may signal poorer overall health, often tied to issues like inadequate nutrition, obesity, or other chronic illnesses.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team tracked the well-being of 20,969 residents from seven cities in Japan: 8,558 men and 12,411 women, all aged 40 and older.
At the start of the study, participants were asked whether they were interested in sex. Those who answered “yes” were classified as having sexual interest; those who answered “no” were classified as lacking sexual interest.
According to the Daily Mail, 82 percent of the surveyed men reported being sexually active.
By the end of the study, researchers compared deaths from all causes and found that men who reported sexual interest were 69 percent less likely to die than men who reported no sexual interest.
The team concluded that men who show interest in sex tend to live longer regardless of marital status, and they suggested a healthy sex life is tied to better mental and physical health. The researchers recommended that couples aim for sexual activity once or twice a week.
Professor Kaori Sakurada, the lead author of the study, said, “A lack of interest in sex among men may be linked to an unhealthy lifestyle.” She added that men who reported low sexual desire were more likely to be smokers or to have diabetes. Sakurada warned that disinterest in sex “can trigger a range of inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and immune responses.” She also said sexual activity reduces stress and inflammation and boosts mood.
What About Women?
Seventy-nine percent of female participants expressed interest in sex. Women who said they were indifferent to intimacy tended to be older than other women surveyed. Most women with low libido were divorced and abstained from alcohol. Researchers found no connection between women’s sex drive and their lifespan.
