Many people wonder how often those in their 60s are intimate with their partners. As we age, our bodies and libidos change, which can impact sexual frequency. However, sex remains an important component of romantic relationships and overall health at any age. Understanding trends among 60 year olds can help provide realistic expectations.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s helpful to provide quick answers to key questions:
– How often do most 60 year olds have sex? On average, most 60 year olds have sex 2-3 times per month or about 25-35 times per year. This is less frequent than younger age groups who average sex 1-2 times per week.
– Do 60 year old men or women have more sex? Men tend to have slightly higher sex drives around age 60. Around half of 60 year old men say they would prefer sex a few times per week compared to only 20% of women.
– Why does sex frequency decline with age? There are many reasons frequency declines, including lower hormones, medication side effects, health conditions, less free time, and evolving priorities. But desire and enjoyment of intimacy often remain strong.
Sex Frequency Statistics Among 60 Year Olds
Research studies provide statistics on how often those aged 60 and over have sex. Here is a summary of key survey findings:
– National Council on Aging in 2021: People aged 60-80 report having sex 2-3 times per month on average. This equates to 25-35 times per year.
– University of Chicago in 2018: 60 year olds have sex about once per week or 50 times per year. This declined from about 65 times per year among this age group in the 1990s.
– University of California San Diego in 2017: Married couples aged 60-69 have sex an average of 68 times per year or about once per week. 70% are sexually active.
– Kinsey Institute in 2016: 60-69 year olds report sex 54 times per year and 70-79 year olds report sex 26 times per year.
– Durex Global Survey in 2010: 60-69 year olds worldwide have sex an average of 1.6 times per week or about 83 times per year.
Based on reviewing multiple surveys, the consensus is that 60 year olds have intimate relations approximately 2-3 times per month or 25-50 times per year. Frequency ranges widely, but this is the average.
Frequency Among 60 Year Old Men vs. Women
Research consistently shows 60 year old men tend to have sex more often than women on average:
| Study | Men (Times/Year) | Women (Times/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| National Council on Aging 2021 | 30 | 20 |
| Kinsey Institute 2016 | 61 | 48 |
| Durex Survey 2010 | 85 | 81 |
Why this gender gap? Studies suggest several reasons:
– Men report higher sex drives and interest in sex at older ages
– Lower estrogen causes more discomfort during sex for women
– Emotional closeness motivates sex more for women
– Widowhood impacts women more since women tend to live longer
– Men more often have younger partners later in life
But while men trend higher in frequency, intimacy remains important to both genders as we age.
Why Does Sex Frequency Decline in the 60s?
There are many understandable reasons frequency of sex declines for those in their 60s compared to younger years:
Hormonal Changes
For both men and women, hormone levels fall starting from the 30s and 40s. This includes declines in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. Lower hormone levels can mean:
– Decreased sexual desire and arousal
– Vaginal dryness making sex painful for women
– Less frequent erections for men
Supplements, medications, or hormone treatments can sometimes help manage these changes.
Physical Health Conditions
Common health issues at older ages like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis can reduce interest or ability for sex. Chronic pain and fatigue are also factors. Medications taken for health conditions can also interfere with sexual functioning.
Being proactive about health through diet, exercise, and regular doctor visits can help minimize these effects. And adapting sexual routines to accommodate health limitations is important.
Medications
Many common medications have sexual side effects like reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction. Heart medications, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and benzodiazepines are some examples.
If medication is negatively impacting sexuality, consulting a doctor about alternatives that have less sexual side effects is reasonable.
Life Stressors
Stressful life events like retirement, loss of loved ones, or new health conditions can affect the sex drive. Emotional health and coping impacts sexuality.
Processing difficult life changes through counseling, support groups, or therapy can help. Intimacy is a way couples often comfort each other through challenges.
Changing Priorities
Raising children, building careers, and other obligations can take priority earlier in relationships. But later in life, couples have more freedom to focus on their intimate bond. However, other priorities like family time with grandchildren can also emerge.
Setting aside dedicated couple time remains important regardless of age. Couples may evolve in their shared interests and values, which should be reflected in their intimacy.
Lack of Sleep
Many older adults struggle with getting enough deep restorative sleep, which is a key to optimal sexual functioning. Issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or prostate issues can interfere with sleep quality.
Seeing a doctor to identify and treat sleep disorders can help restore healthier sleep cycles and energy levels. Having a consistent bedtime relaxation ritual also helps signal the body it’s time for quality sleep.
Caregiving Duties
Some older adults become full-time caregivers for spouses or other family members, which can be an emotionally and physically draining job. This can leave little energy left for sexual relations, especially if the care recipient has complex medical issues.
Seeking respite care help from other family or a home care agency allows caregivers to take a break and focus on their intimate needs as well.
Conclusion
While average frequency of sexual intimacy declines in the 60s, having a satisfying sensual connection remains an important contributor to health and longevity. Studies show those who maintain active intimate lives enjoy both psychological and physiological benefits compared to those who don’t.
For couples, focusing on open communication, variety, leisurely pace, flexibility, humor, generosity, and romance can keep intimacy exciting and fulfilling. Adapting to natural changes is key – and help is available for common issues. At 60 and beyond, sex should still be a source of joy and mutual comfort between partners.