A survey out of the University of Chicago conducted by Dr. Stacy Lindau found that one third of individuals aged 64-75 are having sex at least once a week. This survey was administered to 3005 older people who were divided into 3 groups of roughly one thousand each. The three age groups were 57-64, 65-74 and 74-85.
In the younger group (57-65) 40% of the men and 34% of the men reported having sex once a week or more. But a very interesting finding was seen in the oldest group (75-85). In this group, 23% of the men and 24% of the women reported having sex at least once a week. This percentage was similar to what they saw in a different survey of 18-59 year olds. Imagine that. Some of the oldest seniors reported having sex as frequently as some 18 year olds! Go Seniors.
Of course sexual problems were common, usually related to physical problems. They discovered only 48% of the men and 34% of the women with sexual problems had ever discussed their sexual problem with their doctor.
I think the common perception is that the elderly are not at all sexually active so many physicians may not think to ask their elderly patients about their sex lives. If nothing else, this study shows that the elderly are not to be forgotten in this area. And as 50 becomes the new 30, sexual activity in older adults will continue to be real entity.
Let me know what you think