Who has more sex after 50 years? Research explores adult sexuality

(CNN) – The number of people you have sex with is an individual choice. But certain lifestyle factors play a role in this number, according to a recent study by British researchers.

While previous research on sexual behavior and its potential risks has tended to focus on adolescents and young adults, this study looked at the determinants of the number of sexual partners in more than 7,000 men and women age 50 and older.

The researchers found some interesting correlations between the subjects’ sex lives and specific sociodemographic and behavioral factors, which they say could help doctors identify people at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

To better understand what these findings might mean, I asked some of my colleagues to analyze the data.

A “male” problem

The men in this study were more likely to report a greater number of sexual partners in their lifetime than the women. 40% of men said they had at least five partners, compared to 24% of women. Similarly, being gay was associated with having more sexual partners among men.

That’s not surprising, according to sex therapist Dulcinea Pythagora. “Because our culture socializes men, regardless of their sexual orientation, to believe that they should be more sexually active than other genders, they may feel that they have permission to be, or they may feel that they have to present that appearance,” she explained. .

In fact, “this is much more of a ‘male’ problem than a ‘gay’ one,” added sex therapist Kimberly Resnick Anderson.

“Men have ten times more testosterone than women (at all stages of life), so gay men share a hormonal drive for sex, while heterosexual couples grapple with often conflicting biological drives.”

For men, and particularly older men, economic status also appeared to increase the total number of sexual partners. That was true for both men in the top 20% of income and those in the bottom 20%. Although that may seem strange, it may actually make some sense.

“Richer men have less stress from daily needs. There is more emotional space for pleasure and more time to have it, since they may not work as much as a person with fewer financial resources,” explained sex therapist Holly Richmond. “On the other hand, for men with less money, having sex with multiple partners can be a distraction from the social burden of having a lower income.”

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Better body image, greater opportunity

The researchers also identified some intriguing characteristics for women. For example, they found that white, bisexual, physically active, or chronically disease-free women were more likely to have a greater number of sexual partners.

The last three factors are not surprising: regular exercise likely translates to better body image and, in turn, greater confidence in seeking sex, while good health makes it easier to engage in sexual activity without discomfort.

“The healthier and more vital it is, the more sex they tend to have,” said sex therapist Lawrence Siegel. Bisexuality can also be associated with increased confidence, as well as an increased opportunity for sexual partners.

What about race?

“In recent decades, women who identify as white have been receiving messages about how to feel sexually liberated:”[La serie] Sex and the City is a great example of such an influence, “said psychosexual therapist Sara Nasserzadeh.” But women of other ethnicities, primarily outside North America and Western Europe, may not feel comfortable expressing their wishes or experiences with multiple couples “.

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Freedom of judgment

Some factors span all genders. For both men and women, being younger, separated or divorced, single or never married was associated with a greater number of sexual partners.

“When we consider factors such as being younger (for example, 51 years old instead of 78), being separated or divorced, single or never married, this creates a space for more selfish and self-centered sexual behavior instead of having to worry about feelings from a partner, children, or increased health problems that come with advancing age, “Richmond explained. “These dimensions allow them to be in this on their own and have less concern for other people’s perceptions of their behaviors.”

Also, certain habits could have an effect on the number of sexual partners.

The study found that being a current or former smoker and drinking alcohol on a regular or frequent basis were linked to higher numbers of sexual partners in both men and women.

“These may be people who tend to take more risks or seek more stimulation, which could apply to their sexuality, as well as their use of nicotine or alcohol,” Pythagora said. “Also, those who drink alcohol sometimes enjoy being uninhibited, which could also affect their sexual expression.”

Regular drinkers can also frequent bars or other public spaces, giving them more opportunities to connect.

Remember, however, that this study can only show associations between certain factors and sexual activity, not cause and effect. Having such characteristics will not determine your number of sexual partners, that is an option that only you can control.

This note was originally published in 2019

– Ian Kerner is a licensed marriage therapist, writer, and contributor on the topic of sex for CNN.