Women do not lose interest in sex as they get older. Researcher Holly Thomas has conducted a comprehensive survey of women aged between 28 and 84 about their attitudes and activities in the bedroom.
She found that nearly 60 percent of women in their 60s and older who were married or cohabiting were sexually active and as satisfied with their sex lives as women in their 30s and 40s, although they tended to have sex less frequently.
“For some reason there seems to be a persistent assumption in society that women lose all aspects of their sexuality as they get older, which is not the case,” she says.
Having a committed partner was a significant factor in whether women in midlife and older were sexually active, but a small percentage of women reported not having a steady romantic partner, preferring a more casual relationship.
The results of her study suggest that there are differences in what constitutes a satisfying sex life for younger versus older women. Many of the women indicated that when they were younger, the physical aspects of sex were more important to their satisfaction, like a good orgasm. As they got older, emotional aspects, such as feeling closeness and intimacy with their partner, gained importance.
It is a misconception that older women aren’t sexually active. Interestingly, when compared with similar studies (going back decades) it seems that women in their 60s and older have always been active sexually. The women studied have definitely noted changes in their sex lives over time – some noted they have lower libido or trouble reaching orgasm, however for most, things tend to stay very stable over time in terms of their sexuality. Others reported that their sex life has gotten better as they’ve gotten older. It seems the types of sexual activity that they enjoyed when they were younger changes over time, so they and their partners need to adapt and be flexible.
“These women mention that they feel more confident and more assertive in terms of their sexuality than when they were younger. They know their own bodies better, so they both know their own sexual needs better and are able to communicate those needs to their partners,” she says.
“There have actually been multiple studies that have shown that women who maintain a satisfying sexual life into old age report higher levels of happiness and well-being. So it definitely looks like staying sexually active and maintaining a satisfying sex life as you get older can make you feel better,” she says.