A new study of baby boomers sex lives is making the news this week. The good news? An overwhelming number of us (82%) think an active sex life is important at any age, and a majority of us feel freer now about sex.
The bad news? A significant number of us are hypocrites about practicing safe sex.
This survey was commissioned by the Canadian Liver Foundation; they care about sex habits because liver disease can be the result of sexually contracted hepatitis. About 1000 Canadian boomers, aged 46 to 64, were asked a variety of questions about their sexual behavior. The answers show we often have a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude:
81% say it’s important their kids use protection during sex, 70% say they’ve told their kids to practice safe sex.
30% of unmarried boomers admit they themselves have had unprotected sex with a new partner – since the age of 40, so we’re not talking about ancient history here.
More than one in 10 boomers say they take more risks now that they are older, with one night stands and multiple sex partners becoming more common for some.
More than half of those surveyed said they’re not worried about contracting any sexually transmitted infections; 30% of unmarried boomers aren’t worried. But we should be:
Boomers definitely have a new-found zest for life – but it’s important they use it safely and wisely,” says Dr. Morris Sherman, Chairman of the Canadian Liver Foundation. “Many have been out of the dating scene for a while and need to realize there are new risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and proper precautions should be taken.”
Health experts think we’re not using condoms as much now because pregnancy is less a concern at our age.
But friends, our cavalier attitude could kill us.