Age UK has launched a new initiative called “Still Got It” to promote the release of its first ever guide focused on sex, relationships and intimacy.
This comes as the Charity recognises a current lack of information and resources around the subject tailored to this age group – with its latest research revealing one quarter (24%) of over 50s wish more information about sex in later life was available.
Age UK also hopes this new publication will help transform attitudes to ageing and challenge the stigma that exists around this subject, by getting people to talk more about sex, relationships and intimacy as we get older.
The research highlights that, despite three in five (59%) over 50s believing that a healthy sex life is important for a relationship at this age, 10 million (39%) feel uncomfortable discussing this.
Nearly half (47%) of over 50s also feel that advertisers and brands ignore the sexual needs of people in their age bracket. This societal stigma has serious knock-on effects on how people in mid and later life are understood and accommodated for, even in healthcare settings.
The research reveals that:
- 5 million (19%) over 50s think their sexual health needs are overlooked by their doctor or other medical professionals
- 1 million (15%) over 50s would be too embarrassed to go for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) test
- 9 million (15%) over 50s worry about their sexual health and wellbeing
Dr Lis Boulton, Health & Care Policy Manager at Age UK, says: “So much of the advice and information out there is created with younger people in mind, who are discovering sex and relationships for the first time.
“But we know from speaking directly to older people that, as we grow older and our body and circumstances change, the support becomes less readily available – to the point where some feel they shouldn’t be talking about sex or engaging in sexual relationships at all. That’s why a guide like this is needed in more ways than one.”
The Still Got It initiative is supported by a range of credible experts, including TV presenter and dating expert, Anna Williamson, sex and relationship author and columnist, Tracey Cox, behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, and doctor and author, Dr Miriam Stoppard.
Tracey Cox, author and columnist on dating, sex and relationships, said: “Older people don’t just have sex, they often have better sex than they had when younger. This guide will show you how. It’s practical, helpful, honest and a gift for anyone who wants to enjoy sex, dating and relationships later in life.”
Age UK’s new Guide on sex, relationships and intimacy is available to download, here: www.ageuk.org.uk/still-got-it. After more advice on this subject, either for yourself or someone else? Call Age UK’s Advice Line on 0800 169 6565. All calls are confidential.
