Study confirms older people really do have sex

[one...two...tree 2,762]

William Arnold

Special for The Republic

...researchers surveyed 3,005 U.S. adults - 1,550 women and 1,455 men between 57 and 85. What did they find?

The common belief that older people do not engage in sex appears to be a myth.

The researchers discovered that those who were studied were still sexually active. The prevalence of sexual activity declined with age, however - 73 percent between 57 and 64, 53 percent between 65 and 74, and 26 percent between 75 and 85. Women were significantly less likely than men at all ages to report sexual activity.

Another interesting finding was that while 78 percent of men 75 to 85 have a spouse or other intimate relationship, only 40 percent of women at that age do. It was suggested that many women in this age group might be widowed, and that men in that group had younger partners.

About half of those who participated in the study reported one sexual problem. The most prevalent among women? Low desire (43 percent), difficulty with lubrication (39 percent), and inability to climax (34 percent). Among men, the most prevalent was erectile dysfunction, or "ED" (37 percent).

Researchers also found that healthy older men and women were more likely to engage in sexual activities. Eighty-one percent of men and 51 percent of women in excellent health reported they were sexually active in the past 12 months. Much lower percentages were found among those in poor health.

Finally, most older adults do not discuss sex-related health problems with their physician. Only 38 percent of men and 21 percent of women had such a conversation with their physician since turning 50.

What do these findings mean to you?

Aside from the good news that there is a sex life after 57, there are several things to consider.

The first issue is one of safe sex. Since most women are beyond their childbearing capability by this age, there is no fear of pregnancy. Unfortunately, HIV is on the increase in the older population. In fact, it's growing most rapidly in the over-50 population. Since most older adults don't talk about sex with their physician, they're not being educated about safe sex.

Single older men and women tend to view sex differently. For a man, a relationship might equal sex, while a woman might define her need as companionship. Talking about expectations might help reduce conflict.

As the study indicated, an adequate sex life requires that you try to be in the best of health. You can maintain or improve your health with the right nutrition and regular exercise.

William Arnold is a professor emeritus at Arizona State University. Reach him at william.arnold@asu.edu.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsd...ing1024-ON.html

[almaty 19]

damn straight..knowing that has stopped many a suicidal ideations

Edited October 24, 2007 by almaty

[Marilyn. 340]

why would people think that old people don't have sex??.... they are people with needs too....

[Ban Hammer 14,396]

didn't need a study for this, just ask jasman

[archie07 0]

I can attest to the fact sex doesn't stop at 60, I'll let you all know when I hit 70 how it goes!

[MissStacey 1]

F#cking A! :thumbs:

Edited October 24, 2007 by Stacey33

[Toshtishtash 1]

Indeed!

I still hope to be having sex when I go past 60 anyway!

[Jasman0717 9]

I can recall many a night where I could hear the bed squeeking in my Mom's and step-dad's room and that old guy was over 80

[JODO 2]

I can attest to the fact sex doesn't stop at 60, I'll let you all know when I hit 70 how it goes!

[almaty 19]

I can recall many a night where I could hear the bed squeeking in my Mom's and step-dad's room and that old guy was over 80

lol...those seniors were doing the wild thing to the break of dawn..good for them

[Jasman0717 9]

I can recall many a night where I could hear the bed squeeking in my Mom's and step-dad's room and that old guy was over 80

lol...those seniors were doing the wild thing to the break of dawn..good for them

And I am going to follow in their foot steps even if it kills me

[Imua 0]

I can recall many a night where I could hear the bed squeeking in my Mom's and step-dad's room and that old guy was over 80

lol...those seniors were doing the wild thing to the break of dawn..good for them

And I am going to follow in their foot steps even if it kills me

So you plan on dying with your boots on, eh?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

As we say in Germany: Je Oller, je doller.

[Jasman0717 9]

I can recall many a night where I could hear the bed squeeking in my Mom's and step-dad's room and that old guy was over 80

lol...those seniors were doing the wild thing to the break of dawn..good for them

And I am going to follow in their foot steps even if it kills me

So you plan on dying with your boots on, eh?

Rubber boots

[Fandango 1,440]

why would people think that old people don't have sex??.... they are people with needs too....

My thoughts exactly!