NEW YORK: Men and women in the US remain sexually active even in their 70’s and 80’s, reveals a new study.
Described as the first comprehensive national survey of sexual attitudes, behaviours and problems among the older adults in the US, the study found that most people between ages 57 and 85 think of sexuality as an important part of life.
The study, however, says the frequency of sexual activity, for those who are active, declines only slightly from the 50s to the early 70s.
The survey also found that sexual activity was closely tied to overall health, which was even more important than age. As health declined steadily after the early 70s, so did the prevalence of sexual activity, particularly for women.
Data from the University of Chicago's National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) is presented in the Aug 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The researchers interviewed 3,005 people between ages 57 and 85 in their homes from July 2005 and March 2006. They were asked about their social and marital history, sexual activity and function, and physical and mental health.
