How Many Times A Month Do 70 Year Olds Make Love? Unpacking Intimacy In Later Life

Darrel Greenholt 24 Jul 2025

It's a question many people wonder about, yet it's often whispered or kept to oneself: how many times a month do 70 year olds make love? For a long time, societal ideas perhaps painted a picture of older adults as simply not interested in physical intimacy. However, the truth is, that notion is very much outdated and, frankly, quite far from the reality for many people.

Today, we understand that physical connection and affection remain a vital part of life for individuals of all ages, including those in their golden years. It's perfectly normal and, in fact, quite healthy for many people aged 70 and beyond to stay sexually active. This isn't just about physical acts; it's about maintaining meaningful bonds and personal well-being, you know, as people get older.

So, if you've been curious about intimacy in later life, or perhaps have even felt a little unsure about what's typical, you're certainly not alone. We're going to explore what the available information tells us about sexual activity for those in their 70s, looking at how often, what forms it takes, and what truly shapes these very personal experiences. It's really more varied than you might think, actually.

Challenging Old Ideas About Intimacy in Later Life
The Frequency of Lovemaking for 70 Year Olds: What the Numbers Say
- Sex in Your 70s and Beyond
- How Frequency Changes Over the Years
Beyond Intercourse: The Richness of Intimacy
- Redefining Sexual Activity
- The Role of Masturbation
What Shapes Intimacy in Later Life?
- Personal Factors and Life Circumstances
- Accepting Change and Finding New Ways
Dating and New Connections in Older Age
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Intimacy
Embracing Intimacy at Every Age

Challenging Old Ideas About Intimacy in Later Life

For a very long time, cultural ideas sometimes painted a picture of older couples as simply not interested in physical closeness. It's like, these stereotypes suggested that as people aged, their desire for intimacy just faded away. But, you know, the actual situation is far more varied and, frankly, much more interesting.

The reality is that relationships and physical intimacy truly evolve as people get older. It's not a sudden stop, but rather a natural progression. So, questions about how often married couples over the age of 60 make love, and what their romantic lives look like, do come up quite often. These are important things to talk about, as a matter of fact.

We're seeing a shift in how society views aging and sexuality, which is pretty good. It’s becoming more widely accepted that desire and the need for connection don't just disappear when you hit a certain birthday. This is, in some respects, a very positive change in perspective.

The Frequency of Lovemaking for 70 Year Olds: What the Numbers Say

When you ask, "How often do most 70 year olds make love?", it's a bit like asking how many books someone reads. Everyone has their own pace, their own preferences, and their own unique situation. So, it's really hard to put a single number on it, you know, for everyone.

However, some studies do offer a glimpse into the general trends. For example, a study from 2015, which was published in the archives of sexual behavior, looked at people in their 70s. It found that about 33% of men who were sexually active and 36% of women who were sexually active had sex at least twice a month. That's a pretty significant portion, actually.

This suggests that for a good number of older adults, intimacy is still a regular part of their lives. It’s not an everyday thing for most, perhaps, but it's certainly not rare either. This particular finding, you know, really challenges some of those older ideas about aging.

Sex in Your 70s and Beyond

As people move into their 80s, the frequency of sexual activity does tend to change a bit more. The same research mentioned earlier showed that for those in their 80s, about 19% of sexually active men and 32% of sexually active women reported having sex at least twice a month. So, while it might decline, it certainly doesn't vanish, which is something to consider.

It's important to remember that these are just averages, or, you know, percentages of groups. Your personal experience might be very different, and that's completely fine. The key is what feels right and fulfilling for you and your partner, if you have one, that is.

Older lovers themselves often say they want sex around twice a month. This kind of aligns with what the studies show for many, indicating a continued desire for connection and intimacy. It's a rather consistent desire, in a way.

How Frequency Changes Over the Years

It's true that sexual activity generally declines as people get older. For instance, those aged 55 to 64 years typically report an average of about two times per month. This is a bit of a contrast to younger age groups, obviously.

For comparison, Americans in their 20s, for example, tend to have sex around 80 times each year, which works out to about once every four or five days. By the time people reach 45, that number usually drops to about 60 times a year, or just over once a week. This shows a clear pattern, doesn't it?

Then, by age 60, that yearly number drops further to about 20 times, which is less than once every two weeks. And by age 65, most people are having sex around 20 times per year, or less than one time every two weeks. So, the decline is pretty clear, but activity still remains for many, you know, even if it's less frequent.

Beyond Intercourse: The Richness of Intimacy

When we talk about "making love" or "sexual activity," it's really important to think about what that means. For many older couples, the nature of physical intimacy can change. For instance, by age 60, intercourse can sometimes become a bit problematic for various reasons. This is a common point, actually.

Because of this, many older couples might decide to move beyond just intercourse and instead embrace what's sometimes called "outercourse." This means exploring other forms of physical closeness and affection that don't necessarily involve penetration. It's a way to keep intimacy alive and well, you know, just in a different form.

The real challenge, for both the individual and the couple, is to simply accept that sexuality can take many forms. It’s about being open to intimacy, whether intercourse happens in, say, 90 percent of encounters, or 70 percent, or 50 percent, or even 20 percent, or, you know, zero percent of the time. The connection is what truly matters, in a way.

Redefining Sexual Activity

Physical intimacy is a broad concept, and it's something that can be expressed in many different ways as people get older. It’s not just about one specific act; it’s about closeness, touch, affection, and mutual pleasure. So, you know, couples can find new ways to connect that work for them.

This shift in focus can actually lead to a deeper, more meaningful connection, some might say. It allows for creativity and a focus on emotional closeness, which is, you know, very important for many long-term relationships. It’s about adapting, really.

So, when you consider how often people make love, remember that the definition itself can expand to include a wider range of activities that bring joy and connection. It’s not just about the numbers, but the quality of the shared experience, you know, for the couple.

The Role of Masturbation

It's also worth noting that personal sexual expression remains important, even for those without a partner. For example, the information shows that about 52% of men and 25% of women reported they masturbated, regardless of whether they had a partner. This highlights a very personal aspect of sexual well-being.

This kind of self-intimacy is a normal and healthy part of life for many people, regardless of their age or relationship status. It’s a way to maintain a connection with one's own body and desires. So, that's something to think about, too.

It shows that sexual health isn't just about partnered activity. It's about a broader sense of well-being and personal satisfaction, which is, you know, very important for overall happiness. This really broadens the picture of what "sexual activity" means.

What Shapes Intimacy in Later Life?

There are many things that can influence how often and in what ways people engage in physical intimacy as they age. It’s not just about a person's age, you know, by itself. So, it's pretty hard to say exactly how many times someone "should" make love in a year.

Think about it: various factors play a big role. These can include a person's emotional state, their overall lifestyle, their individual sex drive, and even their work schedule. For example, one anecdote mentions a husband who traveled half the month for his job, which obviously affected intimacy frequency. This really shows how life events can shape things.

So, it’s a very individual thing, with many moving parts. What works for one couple or person might not work for another, and that's completely okay. It’s about finding what feels good and natural for each unique situation, really.

Personal Factors and Life Circumstances

A person's health, both physical and mental, can have a big impact on their desire and ability to engage in intimacy. Things like chronic conditions, medications, or even stress can play a part. So, it's not always just about age, you know, by itself.

Relationship dynamics also matter a great deal. The quality of the emotional connection between partners, how they communicate, and their shared history can all influence their physical closeness. A strong bond, for instance, can often encourage intimacy, you know, even as years pass.

Life changes, such as retirement, or, say, children leaving home, can also create new opportunities or challenges for intimacy. These shifts can sometimes allow couples to rediscover each other in new ways, which is quite nice, in a way.

Accepting Change and Finding New Ways

The most important thing for couples, perhaps, is to be open to how their physical intimacy might change over time. It's about adapting and finding new expressions of affection and desire that work for both people. This means having honest conversations, obviously.

It’s about understanding that intimacy isn't a fixed concept; it’s something that can evolve and deepen. So, if intercourse becomes less frequent or problematic, there are still many other ways to share closeness and pleasure. This is a very liberating thought, actually.

Whether it's through cuddling, kissing, mutual masturbation, or simply spending quality time together, the goal is to maintain that important connection. It’s about what feels good and right for the individuals involved, you know, at their particular stage of life.

Dating and New Connections in Older Age

For those who might be single in their later years, dating as an older adult is all about enjoying new experiences and forming meaningful bonds. It’s about getting back out there and finding companionship, which can, of course, include physical intimacy. So, it’s a rather exciting prospect for many.

There's a growing understanding that senior dating and sex are a normal part of life. People are looking for quality dating sites and ways to connect with others who share similar interests and desires. This is a very positive trend, actually.

So, whether you're looking to rekindle a long-term relationship or start a new chapter, the possibilities for intimacy and connection are very much alive and well, you know, regardless of age. It's about finding what brings you joy and companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Intimacy

People often have many questions about intimacy as they age. Here are a few common ones:

Is it normal for 70 year olds to be sexually active?

Yes, it is absolutely normal and healthy for many 70 year olds to remain sexually active. While sexual activity often declines with age, a significant portion of older adults continue to engage in physical intimacy. It's a very personal thing, but it's certainly not uncommon, you know.

What factors influence how often older adults make love?

Many factors influence physical intimacy, not just age itself. These can include a person's emotional state, their overall lifestyle, their individual sex drive, and even their work schedule. Health conditions and relationship dynamics also play a big part. So, it's a rather complex mix, actually.

Do older couples only have intercourse?

Not at all. While intercourse might become less frequent or problematic for some older couples, many embrace other forms of physical intimacy, often called "outercourse." This can include cuddling, kissing, mutual masturbation, and other forms of affectionate touch. It's about finding new ways to connect and express love, you know, that work for both partners.

Embracing Intimacy at Every Age

So, when we look at how many times a month do 70 year olds make love, the clearest answer is that it truly varies from person to person, and from couple to couple. It's like asking about any other personal habit; everyone has their own rhythm, their own needs, and their own preferences. This statistic depends slightly on age, but it's never a single, fixed number, you know.

The most important takeaway is that sexual activity and intimacy remain a vital and healthy part of life for many older adults. It’s about maintaining connections, expressing love, and experiencing pleasure, whatever form that takes. It’s about celebrating intimacy in all its varied forms, which is, you know, a very good thing.

For more insights into maintaining healthy relationships as you get older, Learn more about maintaining healthy relationships on our site. You can also explore other aspects of senior well-being to support a fulfilling life. Ultimately, embracing intimacy means recognizing its evolving nature and celebrating the bonds that enrich our lives.

Reference: Data and insights referenced in this article are based on research and studies, including a 2015 study published in the archives of sexual behavior, as well as general observations from discussions on senior intimacy. For more detailed academic research, you might consult reputable health organizations or academic journals specializing in gerontology and sexual health, you know, for more information.

How often do 70 year olds make love?

Happy 70th Birthday! Great Messages For 70-year-olds, 50% OFF

Should 70-Year-Olds Wear Jeans? (Discover Style Beyond Age) - Alison's

Global Artist Buzz