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A large scale study of more than 2100 women has found that many middle aged and older women engage in satisfying sexual activity. At least three quarters of the women studied (mean age 55.9 years) were sexually active, and, of them, 60% reported monthly sexual activity. In addition, researchers found that sexual satisfaction was associated with African-American race, lower body mass index, and better mental health; sexual dysfunction correlated with a college degree, poor health, being in a significant relationship, and a low mental health score (Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006;107:755-64).

Survivors of the devastating Hurricane Andrew in 1992 suffered depression for as long as seven years, a study has found. This, commentators say, has greater implications for the victims of the more damaging Hurricane Katrina, which hit the southeastern coast of the United States last year. This necessitates assessment of mental health function and consequential counselling for the survivors of