The over-65s who are still passionate about their sex lives

AGE is no barrier to passion. Four in ten of us enjoy an active sex life after turning 65, a study has found. And two in three are still interested in keeping the flame alive.

The analysis, based on 1,000 pensioners aged between 65 and 80, found one in five maintain a close interest in sex into their late seventies.

However, there were differences between men and women. While 51 per cent of men were sexually active after 65, only 31 per cent of women were still pursuing passion. And while 84 per cent of men regarded sex as an important part of a relationship, women were less enthusiastic, with 6 per cent agreeing.

Older women, however, were more likely than men to feel satisfied with their sex lives.

The researchers, from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, found that three quarters of those surveyed had a partner. Previous studies from the UK Office for National Statistics suggested older people were less likely to be lonely than the young because so many had spouses.

Dr Erica Solway of the University of Michigan said: ‘Sexual health among older adults doesn’t get much attention but is linked closely to quality of life, health and well-being.’