Sex over 70 - definitely not past it

You may have already suspected as much, but a Swedish study has found that today’s 70 year olds are having more sex and finding it more satisfying than previous generations.

The study, from Gothenburg University in Sweden and published in the British medical Journal asked 1,500 people in Gothenburg over a 30 year period about their sex lives.

The results showed the number of 70 year old men reporting satisfaction rose from 58% in 1976-77 to 71% in 2000-2001. Among women, the increase was even greater, rising from 41 percent with increased satisfaction to 62 percent during the same period. The findings showed an increase in satisfaction for men and women regardless of whether they were married or single.

It is likely the results can be attributed to changing attitudes to sex bought about by the sexual revolution of the 70’s along with increased fitness amongst older people.

However the study also found the number of men reporting physical problems, such as erectile dysfunction increased. And when sexual intercourse stopped both men and women tended to blame men.

Although the study was only representative of people in Sweden, lead author Nils Beckman of Gothenburg University believes it shows most elderly people believe sexual feelings and activity to be a natural part of later life. This has important implications for doctors who need to bear in mind that sexual concerns continue to be important for people regardless of age.

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Courtesy of Jo Buchan

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