London: The over-50s may be retiring from the boardroom, but they are not giving up on the bedroom, reveals a new Saga survey today.
According to the Saga/Populus survey of nearly 8000 people over 50, two thirds of those surveyed said they were sexually active (65 per cent), with almost half of those (46 per cent) saying they got between the sheets at least once a week.
Sex is less pressurised after 50 according to a large majority (85 per cent), and seven out of ten find sex a more fulfilling experience than in younger years.
The survey also dispelled a widely touted myth, with three quarters (76 per cent) saying that sex does not become more boring as you get older.
However, respondents said they had sex less often than in younger years, with 84 per cent having sex less often in their 50s than in their 20s or 30s. A minority (16 per cent) also admitted using performance enhancing drugs such as Viagra to help things along.
Worryingly, over one in ten (12 per cent) sexually active over-50s do not use contraception with their current partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while also not knowing about their partners sexual history. Recent research has shown increasing cases of STIs in older age groups*.
These findings came as part of a wider survey into the health of the nations over-50s, with other notable findings below:
· 38 per cent of those 65 and over exercise every day, compared to just 29 per cent of 50-54 year olds
· 76 per cent try to eat their five a day of fruit and vegetables
· Problems at work were likely to be the greatest cause of stress followed by relationships, but
· a quarter (24 per cent) would keep any feelings of stress, anxiety or depression to themselves rather than tell their family or seek medical advice
Emma Soames, Saga Magazine editor, said: “These findings shatter the myth that once you hit fifty your sex life is over there is less pressure than when people were younger and it is likely that you feel more comfortable about your body.
Forget about the dirty thirties or the naughty forties. The frisky 50s are having the most fun by swapping the boardroom for the bedroom.
However, while a healthy sex life is a good thing, the over-50s must be wise to their sexual health, as well as their overall health.
Over 50s are able to contribute to this issue on the social networking site Saga Zone, and receive sexual health advice from Sagas health webpages at www.saga.co.uk/health