Survey: Seniors Have Sex Into 70s, 80s

Many Americans remain sexually active well into old age, according to the results of a new study funded by the federal government.

The report is based on two-hour, in-person, in-home interviews conducted with 3,005 men and women around the country. The researchers tested participants for hormone levels and sex-related infections, and they evaluated how well subjects could see, taste, hear, and smell. Some questions were asked face-to-face; others were asked via a questionnaire, which was completed by 84 percent of respondents.

Among the study's findings:

• Sex with a partner in the previous year was reported by 73 percent of those ages 57-64; 53 percent of those ages 64-75; and 26 percent of those ages 75-85.
• Sexually active persons reported having sex two to three times monthly, or more.
• Giving or receiving oral sex was reported by more than half of participants ages 57-75 and by one-third of those ages 75-85.
• Half of sexually active persons reported at least one sexual problem. Erection difficulties were reported by 37 percent of men. Problems for women included low desire (43 percent), vaginal dryness (39 percent), and inability to achieve orgasm (34 percent).
• One out of seven men reported using Viagra or other substances to enhance sex.
• Women of all ages were less likely to be sexually active than men.
• Far more women than men had lost a partner to death. Among those ages 75-85, only 37 percent of women had spouses, compared to 71 percent of men.
• Only a minority reported more than one partner, and very few had paid for sex.

More men (38 percent) than women (22 percent) had discussed sex with a doctor since age 50. The study's authors say this finding is important because sexual problems can be early indicators of other health issues, and depression and social withdrawal can result from untreated sexual problems. In addition, some people may decide to forego prescribed medication due to sexual side effects, the authors wrote.

The full report, "A Study of Sexuality and Health Among Older Adults in the United States," was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2007;357(8):762-774).

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