Seniors and Sex Take the Survey

Senior Sex Report from 2018

According to the National Poll On Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan, romantic relationships and sex are important even later in life. Sixty-five percent of people in this age group describe themselves as still being interested in sex.

"While sex is an integral part of the lives of many older adults, this topic remains understudied and infrequently discussed," the study states.

The study asked 1,002 adults aged 65 to 80 a variety of questions regarding relationship status, interest in sex and level of sexual activity.

Sixty-six percent of respondents were married or partnered, 15 percent were divorced or separated, 12 percent were widowed and 7 percent had never married. Fifty-four percent of those in a romantic relationship reported they were currently sexually active. Seven percent of single respondents reported the same. Overall, 74 percent of respondents said sex is an important aspect of a romantic relationship at any age, according to the study.

An increase in age led to a decrease in sexual activity. Forty-six percent of 65- to 70-year-olds reported being sexually active, compared to 39 percent of 71- to 75-year-olds and 25 percent of 76- to 80-year-olds. Men were more likely to be sexually active than women: 51 percent versus 31 percent.

Almost three-quarters, 73 percent, reported being satisfied with their sex life.

Men were also more likely to report they were interested in sex. Fifty percent of men reported being extremely or very interested in sex, compared to 12 percent of women. A divide existed among people with different health statuses.

Those who reported their health was excellent, very good or good were more likely to be sexually active than those who reported their health was fair or poor – 45 percent versus 22 percent.

If a problem concerning sexual health arose, 62 percent of respondents said they would speak with their health care provider about it. Thirty-six percent said they would discuss the issue with their spouse or partner, 17 percent said they wouldn't discuss the problem with anyone, and 10 percent said they would talk about it to a family member or friend.

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Seventeen percent of respondents reported speaking with their health care provider about their sexual health in the past two years. More than half, 60 percent, initiated the conversation themselves, and 88 percent said they felt comfortable talking about sexual health.

"Sexual health among older adults doesn't get much attention but is linked closely to quality of life, health and well-being," co-director of the poll Erica Solway, said in a press release. "It's important for older adults and the clinicians who care for them to talk about these issues and about how age-related changes in physical health, relationships, lifestyles and responsibilities such as caregiving, affect them."

According to the study, 18 percent of men and 3 percent of women took medications or supplements to improve sexual function in the past two years, and 77 percent reported they were helpful.

As a “senior,” I found this interesting. I was at a recent gathering of seniors and found myself looking at the female attendees and wondered graphically what the most recent sexual activity they had experienced. I’ve always been a breast man so I looked at the women with larger breasts and wondered when the last time someone had fondled them. Do some of them still consider oral sex as a talent? When was the last orgasm they experienced?

ED has limited my activities in the last couple of years, but I still have very nice orgasms from masturbation plus online porn. I also get an erection while reading erotic stories.

I recently had my annual doctor’s visit. I took the opportunity to ask him for a prescription for Cialis. I was hoping for something that required less planning. I thought that if I could enhance my performance on-demand, our sex life might improve. Results are not in yet.

Many men ascribe their newfound interest in bisexuality to reduced desire from their female partners. As a bi guy for many years, my interest has not changed over the years. I’d gladly accept any offer of sexual satisfaction from anyone – male or female.

I’ve recreated the survey here on the home page. I’ll post results as warranted.

Thanks!