Superior sex, fewer hangovers and five other perks that prove getting older isn’t all bad

LIKE a fine wine or good cheese, not everything goes downhill as we age.

We told yesterday how hangovers are worse when we are younger, according to a Dutch study. But that’s not the only physical benefit of advancing years.

Here, Laura Stott looks at better ‘morning afters' and the other proven perks of getting older . . . 

MORNING AFTER

THEY say life begins at 40 — and you can celebrate that fact without feeling it so much the day after.

A new study by Dutch experts revealed that drinkers aged 46 to 65 displayed better tolerance to booze than those aged 35 or under.

Senior sippers reported less harsh headaches, nausea and tiredness, with researchers concluding that ageing can result in a reduction in the severity and frequency of hangovers.

ABSENT ALLERGIES

IF you suffer from hay fever, then ageing is not to be sniffed at.

Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and skin irritations often start to diminish as the decades pass.

One French study showed a reduction of up to 36 per cent in symptoms among people 58 and above, with scientists believing prolonged exposure to typical triggers may increase our tolerance.

We also produce less of the antibody Immunoglobulin E, a key allergy cause, as we age.

BRAIN POWER BOOST

VOCABULARY skills and also our problem-solving abilities are better in our 40s and 50s than in our younger years, according to a US study.

Also, the over-50s are less prone to putting off decisions compared to people who are in their 20s.

Scientists suggest this is down to improvements as we age in the brain area known as semantic memory, which relates to our factual knowledge of the world and our experiences.

BETTER IN BED

IT might be surprising, but what happens in the bedroom can become better than ever as we get older.

The National Council On Aging surveyed people over 60 and found that 74 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women reported a greater sexual satisfaction than when they were in their 40s.

While physical libido levels typically peak during the 20s for men and 30s for women, satisfaction between the sheets often improves with the enhanced experience, increased confidence and better communication skills that come with age.

HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT

THE lowest levels of happiness, satisfaction and well-being are reported by people in their 20s and 30s, according to US experts.

The highest levels of contentment were found in those aged 65-plus.

Those in their 60s proved the most optimistic, too.

Numerous studies worldwide show most adults rate their life satisfaction progressively higher with age, with cheerfulness and satisfaction rising from our 50s upwards and continuing into our 90s.

HEADACHE RELIEF

OLDER people tend to suffer far fewer headaches, with women in particular enjoying relief from hormonally-triggered pain.

One survey of patients found that migraines become shorter, less painful and less frequent, too.

NO SWEAT, MATE

WHETHER it is from basking in the sun or eating a hot curry, damp patches on your T-shirt may become a thing of the past.

Thinning skin as we get older leads to a loss of collagen, which compresses our sweat glands.

This also reduces sensitivity from the central nervous system, lowering secretion signals so we are less likely to perspire.