Third Age Sex Recent Study Results

In a recent study of 6,000 men and women aged 50 to 90 by the Universities of Manchester, Leeds and the National Centre for Social Research, 1 in 3 of those questioned were having sex at least twice a month.

The study found that for every age group, men thought about and had more sex than women, but were also more concerned about their sexual health and dissatisfaction than women.

Some men and women remained sexually active in their 80s and 90s, but activity tended to decrease with age.  This correlated with a decline in general health and impotence problems in men (39%).  Women reported that they were less likely to be sexually aroused (32%) or achieve orgasm (27%).

Discussing their concerns with a doctor became less likely for women, but more likely for men as their concerns increased with age.

Better2Know sees patients over 50 every day, including some in their 70s, 80s and 90s. Age is no barrier to STIs, so safer sex and regular testing help to prevent and treat infections to stop them from being passed on.