SEX AND THE CENSUS: SURVEY RESULTS
What is most important to you? (Tick up to three)
Friendship 70%; Receiving a hug 44%; Being in a romantic relationship 27%; Sex 10%; Nothing is important to me 9%; Other 8%; Kissing 5%; Prefer not to say 1%
Do you feel you have enough sex?
Yes, definitely 28%; No, not really 28% No, definitely not 23%; Prefer not to say 21%
Have you had sex on a first date since turning 65?
Yes, I have had sex on a first date since turning 65, and I would again 4%; Yes, I have had sex on a first date since turning 65 but I wouldn’t do it again 1%; No, I have never had sex on a first date since turning 65, but I would consider it 26%; No, I would never have sex on a first date 62%; Prefer not to say 7%
When you start having sex with a new partner, what precautions do you take to avoid STIs? (Tick all that apply)
I wouldn’t start having sex with a new partner 42%; Use a condom when having sex 34%; Wash before and after intercourse 11%; I don’t take any precautions 9%; Prefer not to say 8%; Avoid intercourse or oral sex and enjoy sexual relations in other ways 4%; Avoid sharing towels or underwear 2%; Other 2%; Get tested at sexual health clinic 2%
As you get older, do you think sex:
Gets better 16%; Stays the same 44%; Gets worse 27%; Prefer not to say 13%
How did you meet your current or most recent romantic partner?
Through friends 25%; At work 17% When out and about, such as in a park, at a museum or in a pub 16%; Other 12%; Through a shared hobby 7%; Prefer not to say 7%; Online 5%; I have never had a romantic partner 4%; On holiday 4%; Through a dating service or event 3%
If you had to stop having sex, what do you think the reasons would be? (Tick all that apply)
Health (yours or your partner’s) 47%; Lack of sex drive 37%; Relationship breakdown or death of partner 28%; Age 21%; Mobility 19%; Lack of opportunity 17%; I can’t think of any reasons why I would stop having sex 7%; Prefer not to say 6%; Worry about having sex or only doing it because you feel you have to 5%; Other 3%