Seniors are Having More Sex

The golden years are also hot times for many senior citizens, according to a new study.

A report in the British Medical Journal points to a dramatic jump in sexual activity in the 70-year-old crowd.

The study was conducted in Gothenburg, Sweden over a 30 year period - from 1971 to 2000 - with 946 women and 560 men participating.

The polls were conducted in 1971-1972, 1976-1977, 1992-1993, and 2000-2001.

The findings are impressive.  The proportion of 70-year-olds having sexual intercourse increased across the board:

• Married men went from 52% to 68%.
• Married women from 38% to 56%
• Unmarried men from 30% to 54%
• Unmarried women from 0.8% to 12%

The report goes on to say that in the year 2000, around two-thirds of men and women reported high sexual satisfaction, a big increase from the 1976 polling.

While the study did not focus on the reason for the increase in sexual activity among 70-year-olds, it suggests the results can be tied back to when study participants were born in the 20th century.  As the century progressed, public attitudes toward sex changed.

The authors also speculate that higher educational levels and improved socioeconomic status likely play a role.  In addition, the study suggests cohabitating and living apart have become more common.

The study concludes, "that most elderly people consider sexual activity and associated feelings a natural part of later life."