‘I’ve got more spark now than when I was younger’

Judy Hanson, 59, is a writer and mum of four from Leeds. She says, “In my late 50s, I’m learning more about myself and what I want from my love life than ever before. The result? I’m having great sex, which is good for my body and soul.

“Back in my early 30s, I had three babies in four years, which meant sex was off the menu. When we did get it on, I’d be thinking about whether I had enough ham for the kids’ packed lunches.

“Our fourth child was born when I was 39 but, seven years later, in 2007, Dave and I divorced. We’d grown apart, and the first stage of that was losing our sexual connection. For many years I was in the sexual wilderness, with no man or desire, but in my 50s I’ve learned to enjoy making love again. It started at 52, when I met David, who was ten years my junior. He woke me sexually and being that bit older meant I was less afraid to put my needs first. I had the confidence to tell him what worked for me. We parted after five months, in 2012, but two years ago I met a lovely man called Jimmy, 62, who lives in Spain. We get together as often as we can and have clicked in every way.

“Now that my children have all flown the nest, I can focus on myself, and it’s easier to get into the mood. At Jimmy’s villa, we really switch off. I didn’t grow up with TVS and iphones in the bedroom, and when we head to bed there’s no technology to distract us.

“Sex is wonderful and, with no children around, we make love loudly, laugh loudly and talk until the early hours. It’s been a journey of discovery and I’m loving every minute.

“To any younger women who are unhappy with their sex lives, I’d say don’t give up hope – there’s life in the old dog yet!”