In 1965, when the Rolling Stones sang, "I can't get no satisfaction," Mick Jagger was only 22 years old — far too young to know that at least for men in their 50s and 60s, a low level of sexual satisfaction is an early warning sign of impending cognitive and cardiovascular problems.

Researchers from Penn State looked at data on cognitive changes in 818 men from the ages of 56 to 68. They  saw a strong connection between psychological and physical health.

Their conclusion was that if guys want to take steps to prevent reduction in brain function and increased cardiovascular problems, they should pay attention — today — to their feelings of having less satisfaction with their sex life. 

And I'd bet women who experience decreasing levels of sexual satisfaction in midlife are also receiving warning signs that they are headed for increased cardiovascular and cognitive problems.

In the U.S. Social Health Study, when people age 58 were tracked for 27 years, research showed one of the major factors that predicted sexual enjoyment at age 85 was having very little inflammation in your body at age 58.

For a satisfying older age in which you enjoy all the benefits of heart and brain health, you need to adopt anti-inflammatory habits. These include optimal nutrition and physical exercise, quality sleep, and smart stress reduction, as well as brain-training, a good social life, and a sense of purpose.