Sexual activity among those in the older age bracket is often viewed as non-existent. With age being the primary reason of why intercourse is perceived to be almost impossible, new research might change those views as it finds that with age, sexual satisfaction increases.

Among the sexually active older women, sexual satisfaction increases with age, and that among those not engaging in sex, their sex lives are reported to be satisfactory, according to a new study done by researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.

In the study, sexual activity and satisfaction of 806 women living in a planned community near San Diego, with a median age of 67 years old, were evaluated. Under these parameters, the women were measured for their prevalence of current sexual activity; the characteristics associated with sexual activity which included demographics, health, and hormone use; frequency of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain during intercourse; and sexual desire and satisfaction.

Findings show that though sexual activity declined with increasing age, the majority of those who are still active, which was 67.1% of them, reported to have achieved orgasm most of the time, if not always. In fact, among those in the study, the youngest and the oldest women reported the highest frequency of orgasm satisfaction.

With that being said, 40% of them stated that they never or almost never felt sexual desire, while one-third of them reported to only have a low sexual desire.

Lead Investigator Elizabeth Barrett-Connon, MD, distinguished professor and chief, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, commented that only 1 in 5 sexually active women reported high sexual desire; and that even if approximately half of the women aged 80 years or more reported to be still functioning well in bed, sexual desires were rare.

But, regardless of whatever partner status or sexual activity, an astounding 61% of all women were satisfied with their overall sex life.

But for those who are asking: "If there was no sexual desire at all, why have intercourse?" the answer is simple - it is for affirmation, or sustenance of a relationship. According to HelpGuide.com, sex for older aged people is now for solidifying relationships and a form of refuge for them.

But intercourse even among older aged people can have its benefits, as it is found to improve mental and physical health by burning fat and causing the brain to release endorphins, significantly reducing one's anxiety. At the same time, benefits earlier mentioned can add years to a person's life.

But before any of the older women do engage in sexual activity, it is best to follow a few simple guidelines. According to Mark Stibichi, PhD, of About.com, open communication is essential for sex as sexual difficulties will arise with age; taking care of one's health should also be a priority, since poor health can interfere with sexual satisfaction; and since sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are increasing among older adults, safe sex should still be practiced.