It has long been noted that older Americans have a stronger dedication to going to the polls on Election Day than many younger people who are eligible to vote.

But the nation's most comprehensive sex survey ever done among 57- to 85-year-olds has revealed that older Americans, when they're not thinking about politics or lamenting the world situation, aren't necessarily crocheting or playing checkers, either.

The survey found that 73 percent of people ages 57 to 64 who were surveyed reported having had sex with a partner in the previous year. The percentage for those aged 64 to 75 was 53 percent, and the figure for those 75 to 85 was 26 percent.

Most said they engage in sexual activity at least two or three times a month.

Among the other findings was that people whose health was excellent or very good were nearly twice as likely to be sexually active as those in poor or fair health.

The response rate to the survey — 75 percent — was described as remarkable. Getting 75 percent of eligible voters to go to the polls for any election these days would be regarded as a gargantuan achievement.

The study was conducted by respected scientists at the University of Chicago and published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine. The reason given for commissioning of the federally funded study was that sex is important to health and happiness.

The survey, which involved two-hour face-to-face interviews with 3,005 men and women around the country, maybe provides insight into why the voting percentages of the elderly aren't as low as some younger Americans might envision.

Although people past retirement age aren't confronted with the day-to-day pressures of a career, most aren't content for their lives to become sedentary or listless. They want to stay active and involved — in issues affecting their community, state and the nation; in maintaining their homes, property and neighborhoods; in continuing to pursue their interests and maintain an active involvement with their families.

To their credit, they also want to remain healthy in terms of intimacy.

If today's healthy attitude of seniors on many fronts existed in politics, government and the many available aspects of civic responsibility in this country, America would be a better place.