Healthy living
Body matters
Frisky 50s not ready to retire from bedroom
The over-50s may be quitting the boardroom, but they are not giving up on the bedroom, according to a Saga survey
Saga/Populus polled nearly 8000 people over 50, two thirds of those surveyed said they were sexually active (65 per cent), with almost half of those (46 per cent) saying they got between the sheets at least once a week.
Sex is less pressurised after turning 50 according to a large majority (85 per cent), and seven out of ten find sex a more fulfilling experience than in younger years.
The survey also dispelled a widely touted myth, with three quarters (76 per cent) saying that sex does not become more boring as you get older.
However, respondents said they had sex less often than in younger years, with 84 per cent having sex less often in their 50s than in their 20s or 30s. A minority (16 per cent) also admitted using performance enhancing drugs such as Viagra to help things along.
Worryingly, more than one in ten (12 per cent) sexually active over-50s do not use contraception with their current partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while also not knowing about their partner's sexual history. Recent research has shown increasing cases of STIs in older age groups.
These findings came as part of a wider survey into the health of the nation's over-50s, with other notable findings below:
* 38 per cent of those 65 and over exercise every day, compared to just 29 per cent of 50-54 year olds
* 76 per cent try to eat their five a day of fruit and vegetables
* Problems at work were likely to be the greatest cause of stress followed by relationships, but a quarter (24 per cent) would keep any feelings of stress, anxiety or depression to themselves rather than tell their family or seek medical advice
Saga Magazine editor Emma Soames said: "These findings shatter the myth that once you hit fifty your sex life is over - there is less pressure than when people were younger and it is likely that you feel more comfortable about your body.
"Forget about the 'dirty thirties' or the 'naughty forties' - the frisky fifties are having the most fun by swapping the boardroom for the bedroom."
"However, while a healthy sex life is a good thing, the over-50s must be wise to their sexual health, as well as their overall health."
Over 50s are able to contribute to this issue on the social networking site Saga Zone, and receive sexual health advice from Saga's health webpages at www.saga.co.uk/health
Reader comments
Fifty and frisky. Like the sound of that. My hubby and I are nearly 50 and suddenly we are making love every day in the most special ways possible. Having a truly delightful time. Ladies try it - the more you do it the better it is. We have been together nearly 30 years and this is the best sex ever!! Love to you all Smiley xxx
Posted by: Smiley | 16/07/2008 12:58:18
What about the sexy seventies, no complaints there either.!!!
Posted by: Mrs R. Rees | 01/02/2008 23:05:02
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.