It’s a common assumption that older people have less sex – and there is still a lot of stigma when it comes to sex in later life.
Some studies have suggested that people over the age of 50 are having the ‘most adventurous’ sex of their lives – but this isn’t the case for everyone.
And for women in particular, sex drive can really fall off a cliff as they approach the menopause, and beyond.
A new study has found that women have less sex and derive less pleasure from sex as they age – and there are a number of reasons that could be behind it.
The findings are based on a study of 4,418 women with a median age of 64, who answered questions about their sex lives.
65.3% of the respondents had a romantic partner, while only 22.5% said they were sexually active.
Over time, sexually active women were reporting that they were having sex less frequently and finding it more uncomfortable.
Some women said that overwhelming family responsibilities as a reason for not seeking sexual gratification.
Other key reasons for older women having less sex were a partner’s sexual dysfunction, a partner’s illness, or widowhood.
Many women said that problems in their romantic relationships, the logistics of organising sex, and the ways aging affected their self-image and self-confidence usually caused a low libido.
‘A small minority (3%) reported optimistic and positive sexual experiences,’ say the researchers.
‘[1 in 8] women in [the] study experienced sexual problems, but only 2% referred to [hormone therapy].
‘Open communication about sexuality, including desires, needs, and dysfunctions, is important and will reduce the threshold for women to discuss sexual function. Additional sexual education for [healthcare practitioners] is required to facilitate this process.’
The researchers also add that, ‘sexual difficulties are often underreported, underrecognized, and undertreated.’
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