Nearly half of over 65s say they prefer sex to gardening and seeing family

Nearly half of people aged 65 and over say sex is their favourite activity followed by seeing family and gardening, according to new research by the charity Relate.

The charity also found 62 per cent of over 65s consider themselves to be sexually adventurous and 52 per cent haven’t bought a condom in the past year.

Over half (52 per cent) of over 65s have sex up to twice a week and one in five over 65s have considered buying a sex toy for themselves or a partner in the past year.

Its research has been published in the wake of a report by Public Health England showing figures for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the over-65s are at an all-time high, with STIs more than doubling in the past ten years among UK adults aged 65 and older.

Relationship psychotherapist and Relate president, Anjula Mutanda said: “Sex and intimacy can be as adventurous and fulfilling in later life as it can be at any age. It might be different – for physical or other reasons – but it’s brilliant that our research showed it’s still a significant part of life for those who want it to be. And we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the importance of safe sex, regardless of age.

“By bringing the sexual health debate to an unexpected environment like a garden centre, we’re once again trying to help break down taboos and get people up and down the country talking about the joy of later life sex.”

Both younger and older age groups felt talking more openly about sex and sexual pleasure could help prevent STIs, with half saying they find it difficult to have conversations about sex and the majority saying it makes them feel awkward.

In order to address the rising number of STIs, Relate has tapped into the nation’s passion for gardening for the second instalment of its ‘let’s talk the joy of later life sex’ campaign and come up with the idea of vegetable themed condoms.

These limited edition condoms are available for people to get their hands on for free from Relate and Finchley Nurseries.

Featuring some of the most popular cheeky vegetable emojis, the range includes aubergines, plums, courgettes, onions and avocados – forming a fully sustainable condom collection that can even be planted in a pot to biodegrade.

Farah Kabir and Dr Sarah Welsh, founders of Hanx, which sells biodegradable vegan condoms made from fair rubber and paraben-free lubricants, said: ”One of the best ways to tackle the taboo of talking about sex and intimacy is being upfront about the fact it sometimes gives us the giggles - and use humour to make people feel more comfortable chatting about johnnies.

“We’re pleased to have provided the condoms for Relate’s campaign and want to encourage everyone to cultivate a no-blushes attitude to safe sex. Let’s get it on!’’

The campaign follows on from Relate's bold photographic series last year with Rankin, which shone a light on sex and intimacy in later life to break down taboos.

Relate is the leading relationships charity in England and Wales and last year it helped over 5.6 million people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities to strengthen their relationships. Find out more at relate.org.uk