Why older men tend to be more sexually active than women

Age is no barrier to an active love life, research shows. For among the 70s, more than half of men and almost a third of women say they are still sexually active. Of these, one in three say they have sex at least twice a month. The University of Manchester study was the first of its kind to include men and women aged 80-plus. It also found that love and affection stand the test of time, with many in their 70s and 80s saying they still indulge in frequent kissing.

Researchers did not examine why older men tend to be more sexually active than women, but it may be that they are more likely to have a younger partner. A woman’s longer lifespan is also thought to be relevant, with older women more likely to be widowed and thus living alone for longer.

But as women get older, they believe that quality is more important than quantity where their sex lives are concerned, for the study revealed that while some have fewer nights of passion as they get older, they enjoy them more. Researchers said this is probably because older women accept that their sex lives are not going to improve.