Just because you are in your golden years does not mean that you have to put your sexual desires and needs on the back burner.  Whether you are a single senior or in a committed relationship, you deserve and should be able to enjoy a fulfilling sex life.

Sexual intercourse has several health benefits worth noting. Regular participation in lovemaking lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, boosts immunity, works the heart muscle and improves cardiovascular health, burns calories, boosts self esteem, reduces pain, increases levels of oxytocin (the feel-good chemical in your brain), strengthens pelvic floor muscles (which help with incontinence), reduces prostate cancer risk, helps get you a better night sleep and improves intimacy between you and your partner.

All these perks should be enough to get you thinking—are you having as much sex as you should be?

Great! Now you know that sex is good for your body and mind, but if you don’t have a partner how can you enjoy an active sex life? The first step is to get out of the house because you are not going to meet anyone sitting at home watching television. You need to put yourself out there and meet new people! Join the Cupertino Senior Center, volunteer, put your skepticism aside and join a singles site like Match.com or take up a dance or cooking class at De Anza College.

If you are already in a committed relationship you are halfway through the battle. All you have to do now is proactively set aside time to spend with your significant other.

You may want to consider bringing the spark back into your relationship by romancing your partner. Pretend like you are dating and surprise your partner with a night out on the town. Enjoy dinner together. Appreciate the conversation. Then go home and give your lover a sensual back rub. Who knows where it will lead.

If you are not in a monogamous relationship, be sure to practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in older adults and you don’t want to be one of the statistics. You may not have to worry about pregnancy at this age, but you certainly need to worry about contracting an STD.

If you are worried that you may have had intercourse with someone who has an STD make an appointment with your family doctor or visit STD Test Express located right here in Cupertino. With results back in less than three days you won’t have to fret for too long. In addition, refrain from sexual activity until you get the green light from your doctor.

I know this can be an uncomfortable topic for most people, but the truth is sex is good for your body and your mind. Put all your shyness aside, get out of your comfort zone, make an effort to have an active sex life and you will be happier and healthier for it.