Sex is more satisfying for those over-80, says study

The elderly have better sex lives than those experiencing middle age, it has emerged. A new study shows that couples in their 90s are more satisfied in the bedroom than those making love in their 50s.

According to the report, which was researched by the International Longevity Centre UK, many people remain sexually active into old age. It interviewed more than 7,000 people over the age of 50 and found that the over-80s were more sexually satisfied than those in their 50s, 60s or 70s.

Emotional bonds are found to grow over time and couples often find that they become more sexually compatible. Despite having sex less frequently, the times when they do make love tend to be more satisfying, the research found.

Women especially are more easily aroused in their 80s than during the decades of their life when they are aged between 60 and 79. Scientists from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, who carried out the study, said it showed how couples can continue to get to know each other better right into old age.

Another factor thought to contribute to better sex in later life is a lack of distractions. Retired couples tend not to have issues of adult children still living at home or the responsibility of their own parents to look after, which are often concerns for the middle aged.

The How Long Will I Love You? study also discovered that people with a more active love life into their 90s were happier overall. Kissing, cuddling or touching intimately once a day or more led to a higher life satisfaction score than similar actions occurring just two or three times a month.

Older people also reported that they felt less obliged to have sex, but found themselves being emotionally closer. They are also more likely to share the same sexual preferences as their other half than those younger.

Baroness Sally Greengross, chief executive of the International Longevity Centre, said: “We know that many men and women remain sexually active throughout their lives and that intimate relationships in later life can continue to have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.

“Unfortunately, in 2017 there is still a need to dispel myths around relationships in later life.”

One of the things to be highlighted by the research is the need for sexual health care for the elderly. Society’s misheld belief that older people aren’t making love could lead to them missing out on important services.