As life goes on, so apparently do some of its more intimate pleasures, contrary to popular wisdom. Medical News Today reports that researchers at the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego were surprised to learn that, in a study of 1,235 women between the ages of 60 and 89, sexual satisfaction was not significantly associated with age. Which could mean one of two things: sexual satisfaction is so diminished by the of 60 that it can't get worse, or, as the researchers put it, "many older adults retain their ability to enjoy sex well into old age." The researchers found that satisfaction with overall sex life in three age cohorts studied: 60 to 69; 70 to 70; and 80 to 89, was not all that different. Approximately 67 percent, 60 percent, and 61 percent of women in these three age groups, respectively, reported that they were "moderately" to "very satisfied" with their sex lives. But while satisfaction with sex remains fairly constant, the researchers found, unsurprisingly, that frequency declined. Of the women who were married or in an intimate relationship, 70 percent of those aged 60 to 69, 57 percent of those aged 70 to 79, and 31 percent of those aged 80 to 89 reported having had some sexual activity in the previous six months. More importantly, the study found that feeling satisfied with your sex life – whatever your levels of sexual activity – is closely related to your perceived quality of life.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025