Strong, loving relationships aren’t just emotionally fulfilling—they’re a cornerstone of long, healthy lives. AHarvard study tracking adults over 80+ years found that “close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.” And among the most powerful forms of connection in long-term relationships? Sexual intimacy.

According toWebMD’s recent feature, couples who maintain strong sexual relationships often share a series of simple yet powerful habits. These aren’t based on youth or spontaneity, but rather intention, communication, curiosity, and mutual care. As couples age, intimacy doesn’t have to fade—it can evolve, deepen, and become even more meaningful.

1. They Make Intimacy a Priority

Couples who stay sexually connected over the years treat intimacy as essential—not optional. Life gets busy, but these couples create time for physical connection the way others schedule workouts or date nights.

Action Step: Set regular “connection time,” whether for intimacy or simply closeness. Apps likeIntimately Us offer prompts, games, and scheduling tools that make it easy—and fun—to prioritize passion.

2. They Communicate Honestly and Often

Great sex stems from great conversations. Couples who talk openly about their needs, fears, and desires build trust, which enhances emotional and physical closeness. Research fromThe Gottman Institute shows that emotional attunement is one of the biggest predictors of long-term relationship satisfaction.

“We have many possible ‘career selves’ inside us,” says Herminia Ibarra. “And the same can be said of our relationship selves—versions of us that grow over time through experience and trust.”

Action Step: Try a weekly 10-minute check-in. Use apps likeLove Nudge to discover each other’s love languages and create a shared emotional roadmap.

3. They Keep Physical Touch Alive—Beyond the Bedroom

Physical intimacy doesn’t begin in the bedroom. Couples who hug, kiss, hold hands, and cuddle throughout the day create a warm emotional climate that makes sexual intimacy more natural and frequent. A2019 study in Psychosomatic Medicine found that physical touch boosts oxytocin and reduces stress—a dual benefit for health and connection.

Action Step: Create small rituals of touch—morning hugs, evening foot rubs, hand-holding on walks. Treat touch as a daily vitamin for your relationship.

4. They Stay Curious About Each Other

It’s easy to assume we “know” our partner after years together—but that’s the fastest way to dull intimacy. Couples who enjoy long-term sexual satisfaction stay curious, continue to explore fantasies, and recognize that both people evolve.

TheWebMD article confirms: couples who ask questions, listen, and try new things report greater satisfaction—physically and emotionally.

Action Step: Use a tool likeThe And orGottman Card Decks to reignite curiosity. Make “date night questions” a new tradition.

5. They Take Care of Their Physical and Mental Health

Great sex requires energy, confidence, and well-being—all of which are enhanced by good health. Astudy in The Journals of Gerontology found that older adults who rated their health as good or excellent were significantly more likely to be sexually active.

Action Step: Build joint wellness routines. Try tracking healthy habits with apps likeMyFitnessPal,Calm, orSleep Cycle to maintain energy and reduce stress.

6. They Adapt and Reinvent Intimacy Over Time

Bodies age, but intimacy doesn’t have to decline. Couples who stay sexually active often embrace change, adjust expectations, and explore new ways to connect. Adaptation isn’t just necessary—it’s empowering.

Action Step: Use trusted tools likeRosy (a women’s sexual health platform) orOMGYEs (science-based research on female pleasure) to learn, grow, and evolve together.

7. They Focus on Emotional Connection First

Emotional safety fuels physical desire. Couples with great sex lives over time often say they feel emotionally secure with each other—a foundation built on empathy, humor, vulnerability, and kindness.

Action Step: Practice emotional check-ins. Try journaling your relationship reflections withJourney and then sharing your insights. Or start your own couples journal with a shared Google Doc or notebook.

Invest in Your Relationship—It’s the Most Valuable Asset You Have

Intimacy doesn’t fade with age—it evolves with intention. When couples prioritize touch, talk, and trust, they create a relationship that deepens over decades. And the rewards go far beyond the bedroom: better health, longer lives, and greater joy.

Whether you’re just starting your relationship or 40 years in, the habits of thriving couples can be cultivated at any age. You don’t need to go back in time—you just need to move forward together, with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to grow.

What’s one habit you can bring into your relationship this week to deepen connection and rekindle intimacy? Share your thoughts and explore what others are doing in the Age Brilliantly forum: https://agebrilliantly.org/forum/