By contrast, people who keep themselves physically fit and sexually active can go on enjoying the sweet feast of satisfYing sex almost to the very end of their lives.

For instance, one study of 160 male Masters swimmers between the ages of 40 and 80 showed a strong correlation between vigorous physical conditioning and sexual frequency and pleasure. These robust men, hungry for life and pleasure, reported a frequency of intercourse similar to that of men 20 to 40 years their junior.

Another study of 800 men and women ranging in age from 60 to 91 revealed that most people over 60 are very interested in sex. Most say that they enjoy sex as much as they did when they were younger- in fact, most say that they enjoy it even more. One 72-year-old woman told gerontological researchers Bernard Starr, Ph.D., and Marcella Weinter, Ed.D.: "Our sex is so much more relaxed, I know my body better, and we know each other better. Sex is unhurried and the best in our lives!"