An increasing number of healthy 70-year-olds are having good sex and more often. Also, attitudes to sexuality have become more positive in this age group. To gauge trends in sexual attitudes and behaviour, Swiss researchers analysed information from 70-year-old men and women interviewed in 1971-1972, 1976-1977, 1992-1993, and 2000-2001. It was found that, over the years, the number of 70-year-olds reporting sexual intercourse rose significantly among all groups: 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. Men and women in the later periods reported higher satisfaction with sex, fewer sexual problems and more positive attitudes to sexuality, than those in the earlier periods. More men and women said they were in happy relationships in 2000-2001 than in 1971-1972. In contrast to women, the number of men admitting they were not completely satisfied with their sex lives increased. This might be because it is now more acceptable for men to admit failure in sexual matters. The survey also showed a drop in the number of men reporting erectile dysfunction, which could be due to the availability of new drugs for management of erectile dysfunction. Overall, the survey showed that most elderly people considered sexual activity and associated feelings a natural part of their life. Most of the literature on sexuality in elderly people focuses on sexual problems, leaving the impression that older adults have either dismal or non-existent sex lives. The new findings provide evidence that sex is an important and positive part of the lives of older adults.
British Medical Journal Online
July 2008
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