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- News & views
- 15 February 2018
Older people concerned they aren’t having enough sex
More than half of those aged 65 and over feel like they aren’t having enough sex, a new survey has revealed.
On top of that, only one in six people aged 80 and over said they were satisfied with the amount of sex they were having.
Despite this, nearly a third of people aged 65 and over have had sex on a first date since turning 65, or would consider it, showing that for many it’s not lack of desire that’s the issue.
The study, published to coincide with Valentine’s Day, also revealed that one in 10 people aged 75 and over have had multiple sexual partners since they turned 75.
One in six people aged 65 and over reported that one of the only reasons they would stop having sex would be a lack of opportunity.
It was also revealed that more than a quarter of people aged 65 and over who are in a relationship that started in the last ten years met their partner online, suggesting that online dating can be beneficial for older people looking for a partner.
Condoms are the most frequently used form of protection against STIs among those aged 65 and over, although nearly 10% of respondents said they don’t take any precautions.
Lucy Harmer, director of services at Independent Age, said: “Age is no barrier to having a sex life, and a lot of older people are more sexually active than many people think.
“Strong relationships are important in later life, and ideas about friendship, romance and intimacy may well change throughout life.”
“Close relationships can offer emotional support, and can make a difference by staving off loneliness and giving you resilience and support to get through difficult patches in life.”
She added: “However, sex, dating and relationships can be complex, and that does not stop when we get older.”
The study, carried out by Censuswide, was published by Independent Age along with information and guidance on a range of issues regarding relationships in later life.
Page last updated February 2018
More than half of those aged 65 and over feel like they aren’t having enough sex, a new survey has revealed.
On top of that, only one in six people aged 80 and over said they were satisfied with the amount of sex they were having.
Despite this, nearly a third of people aged 65 and over have had sex on a first date since turning 65, or would consider it, showing that for many it’s not lack of desire that’s the issue.
The study, published to coincide with Valentine’s Day, also revealed that one in 10 people aged 75 and over have had multiple sexual partners since they turned 75.
One in six people aged 65 and over reported that one of the only reasons they would stop having sex would be a lack of opportunity.
It was also revealed that more than a quarter of people aged 65 and over who are in a relationship that started in the last ten years met their partner online, suggesting that online dating can be beneficial for older people looking for a partner.
Condoms are the most frequently used form of protection against STIs among those aged 65 and over, although nearly 10% of respondents said they don’t take any precautions.
Lucy Harmer, director of services at Independent Age, said: “Age is no barrier to having a sex life, and a lot of older people are more sexually active than many people think.
“Strong relationships are important in later life, and ideas about friendship, romance and intimacy may well change throughout life.”
“Close relationships can offer emotional support, and can make a difference by staving off loneliness and giving you resilience and support to get through difficult patches in life.”
She added: “However, sex, dating and relationships can be complex, and that does not stop when we get older.”
The study, carried out by Censuswide, was published by Independent Age along with information and guidance on a range of issues regarding relationships in later life.
Page last updated February 2018
