PLANET EARTH — A nation of youth worshippers should listen up – according to a recent survey of slightly more than 2,000 women aged 40 – 69, nearly three-quarters reported being sexually active – and two-thirds said they were at least “somewhat” sexually satisfied, as well. Additionally, black women are far happier in bed than are their white sisters.According to Dr. Ilana B. Addis of the University of Arizona in Tucson, she and her colleagues found that women experiencing greater sexual satisfaction also experience greater mental health. Perhaps reflecting a societal bias, heavier women were less likely to indicate that they were satisfied with their sex lives.

In the April issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Addis and co-researchers state that the sex lives of middle aged and older women are still a mystery to many, having received very little serious research, particularly as regards sexual dysfunction.

In order to address this research lapse, they studied 2,109 long-term female members of California’s Kaiser Permanente health plan who were participating in an incontinence project. Part of the study included a questionnaire asking about their sex lives, how often they engaged in sexual activity, who satisfied they were, and any sexual problems they might be experiencing.

Although 33-percent stated that they have sex weekly or more often, another 37-percent reported sex monthly or less frequently, while 75-percent reported sex during the past year.

One-third of women participating in the survey indicated that they experienced some degree of sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire, inability to relax, difficulty with arousal, or problems achieving orgasm.

A quarter of those who are sexually active went so far as to say that sexual dysfunction is “somewhat of a problem” or “very much of a problem.”
Interestingly enough, more financially successful and higher educated women were found to have sex more frequently, as were those who indulge in alcohol moderately, weight less, and enjoy good health. Unsurprisingly, younger women and those who are involved in a serious relationship are also more likely to have more frequent sex than older or unpartnered women. African-American women were 32-percent less likely than whites to have issues with their sex lives.