An increasing number of 70 year olds are reporting having good sex more often, and women in this age group are particularly satisfied with their sex lives, says a new report in the British Medical Journal. The Swedish researchers behind the new study say that while quite a lot is known about sexual problems in the elderly, much less is known about "normal" sexual behavior in this age group. The research took place over a thirty year period and involved more than 1,500 70 year-olds who were interviewed about different aspects of their sex lives including sexual dysfunctions, marital satisfaction and sexual activity.
Researcher Nils Beckman, from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, found that over the thirty year period the number of 70 year olds of both sexes reporting sexual intercourse increased: married men from 52 percent to 68 percent, married women from 38 percent to 56 percent, unmarried men from 30 percent to 54 percent, and unmarried women from 0.8 percent to 12 percent. In addition, the number of women reporting high sexual satisfaction increased and more women reported having an orgasm during sex.
While the proportion of women reporting low satisfaction with their sex lives decreased, the proportion of men reporting low satisfaction increased. The authors suggest that this might be because it is now more acceptable for men to admit "failure" in sexual matters. Interestingly, both men and women blame men when sexual intercourse stops between them.
"Our study shows that most elderly people consider sexual activity and associated feelings a natural part of later life," the researchers noted, adding that it highlights the need for doctors to ask all patients, regardless of age, about any sexual concerns they might have.
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Source: British Medical Journal
