1. B- Yes. Good sex can release chemicals that reduce stress. – Sexual activity releases chemicals such as oxytocin which decrease stress and increase positive feelings.
2. D- No. They should hire the services of an elder mediator. – A mediator’s job is to facilitate the best possible outcome for a parent and to preserve family relationships.
3. B- No. Bring her some ice water or rent a movie. – Ignoring her will only add to her frustrations. Look for ways to help minimize her discomfort.
4. C- Tell her what you like (and don’t like) to be called. – Don’t insist on mom, as she may want to keep that designation only for her own mother. If you have a strong preference, tell your daughter-in-law what you like (and don’t like) to be called.
5. A- 75 percent – Despite the profusion of advertisements touting performance-enhancing drugs, a majority of older men are fine without them.
6. C- False. Men suffer more than women – After taking into account the higher rate of depression in the overall female population, a recent study found that men actually suffer more from being bereaved.
7. D- False. This only happens with a relatively small number of couples and is not the reason in most cases. – A survey on the sexuality of older couples found that extramarital affairs happen in only a small percentage of marriages.
8. A- Hardly. In a recent AARP survey, only 22 percent felt that way. – The number of 45+ Americans who believe that only married people should have sex has dropped by nearly half in five years-from 41 percent in 1999 to 22 percent in 2009.
9. D- False. The number of men who claim to have sex at least once a week dropped from 49 percent to 41 percent. – There was a 10-point plunge for both sexes (women dropped from 43 to 32 percent, and men from 49 to 41 percent). Most other age groups saw a drop in their frequency of sex, too.
10. C- Many seniors feel that way, but it is absolutely a need. – Couples need to make the time for romance. It’s the best thing they can do for their relationship.
Onramp to Health 