Former Dynasty actress Joan Collins recently claimed that sex was one of her anti-ageing secrets, and now there is evidence to back her up.
Elderly women who have active sex lives are healthier, happier and cope better with ageing, US researchers have found.
In her new book The World According to Joan, 78-year old Joan Collins said "let's not forget the importance of sex when it comes to looking and feeling good," and researchers from the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California agree.
Their study of 1235 women aged 60-89 found those who enjoyed an active sex life had a better quality of life and were happier.
"What this study tells us is that many older adults retain their ability to enjoy sex well into old age," said Thompson. "This is especially true of older adults who maintain a higher level of physical and mental health as they grow older.
Furthermore, feeling satisfied with your sex life — whatever your levels of sexual activity — is closely related to your perceived quality of life."
He added that while they couldn't determine "cause and effect", it was clear that "maintaining a high level of sexual satisfaction may positively reinforce other psychological aspects of successful aging."
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