Konečně si sex užíváme, tvrdí lidé po padesátce. Někomu stačí držení za ruku
Nakolik patří ke stále se prodlužujícímu životu sex, zjišťovala psycholožka Anna Ševčíková z Masarykovy univerzity v Brně.
Sexual health after 50: Czechs are breaking down myths and want to be more active
Our members Gabriela Gore-Gorszewska, Anna Ševčíková and Dominik Hrabec explain the situation and myths about intimacy in later life in a new study by Masaryk University and the University of Opole. It shows that sexuality remains a key part of life and health for Czechs over 50. Although many people experience some age-related sexual symptoms, only a fraction of them seek help, placing the most faith in the internet and doctors. The research was funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR).
Sexuality as a natural expression of health
The results of the research, in which over 1,000 Czech respondents aged 50 to 89 participated, show that sex in old age is not taboo. For 77% of respondents, sex is important, and 83% agree that it is a natural part of life. Nine out of ten people even perceive sexual needs as a sign of good health. However, there is an interesting contrast in society's perception, 40% of respondents feel that older people are viewed by those around them as no longer interested in sex.
What does intimate life look like in practice?
In the last year, approximately 40% of participants reported regular intimate contact at least once a week. On the other hand, roughly one in five had no contact during this period. The study also revealed differences between desire and reality: 55% of people would like to have sex with their partner more often than they do now. While men would rather increase the frequency, women more often than men stated that they could do without sex altogether or would prefer less frequent sex.
Barriers and health complications
Although sexual symptoms are common in people over 50, with two-thirds of respondents mentioning them, most (60%) do not consider them a serious problem. The most common symptoms include
• In men: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and performance anxiety.
• For women: Vaginal dryness, pain during sex, low libido, and lack of arousal.
A key finding is that 70% of people do not seek professional help for their symptoms. Those who did seek help most often turned to a urologist, gynecologist, or sexologist.
Actively seeking information about sexual health is common for 60% of people, regardless of whether they are currently experiencing any problems. The internet remains the dominant source, which 80% of respondents would use in the future. People are most interested in topics related to aging and sexual functioning, ways to increase libido, and the use of sex toys. Respondents found sources with professional backing to be the most trustworthy, especially information from universities, hospitals, or the Ministry of Health.
You can find more about the research results in the document below.
