New study says over-70s still have a lot of sex
Contrary to the stereotype, people in their 70s and beyond are enjoying an active sex life, according to new research from The University of Manchester and NatCen Social Research.
Of the 7,000 people aged 70 and over who were surveyed, more than half the men and a third of women said they were still sexually active. One third of the group said they had frequent sex, which was defined as at least twice a month.
The new study was the first of its kind to survey people over the age of 80, finding that romance and affection really did stand the test of time. Many reported they had not stopped frequent kissing and touching simply because of age.
Co-author and Age UK Research Fellow Dr. David Lee said that health and conflicting partnership factors had more to do with the level of sexual activity than simply age
“We hope our findings improve public health by countering stereotypes and misconceptions about late-life sexuality, and offer older people a reference against which they may relate their own experiences and expectations,” he said.
"Our ongoing research is also highlighting the diversity of late-life sexualities, and trying to impose youthful norms of sexual health on older people would be over-simplistic and even unhelpful."
Caroline Abrahams, from the charity Age UK, told MailOnline: “The fact this is the first time that people over 80 years old have been included in this kind of research highlights how often the public health needs of older people, including sexual health, are ignored or overlooked.
“With an ageing population it is important that providers of sexual health services understand the needs of older people in both clinical settings and when developing information and advice.”