Sex After 50:

Sex in later life can be a time of discovery and reinvention, bringing even more intimacy, sensuality and satisfaction than before. Amanda Riley-Jones meets four people whose sex lives began to thrive after their half century

- Amanda Riley-Jones

It’s all changed since our parents’ time when people of our age were seen as past it and sexless. Today’s over-fifties are more youthful, open minded and continuing to enjoy loving, fulfilling sex lives.

“I feel sexy in a way I never did in the past.” 63-year-old TV presenter Aggie MacKenzie is divorced and dating. The mother of two says she feels more liberated and experimental than ever.

“I certainly feel more libidinous in my older age. I was brought up in the 1950s and 1960s in the north of Scotland, where sex was seen as an evil necessity in order to have babies. Perish the thought it was anything to do with pleasure or desire! But I think it's very healthy to have a good sexual appetite.

I was divorced eight years ago and not having sex had become my normal. By 2014, I hadn’t been in a relationship, or even kissed anyone, for ten years. I was a bit frightened of being exposed, being hurt—having to deal with a relationship, a man and sex. If you’re not doing it, you feel safe and comfortable.

I feel guilty saying this, but after my mother died in 2012 I felt strangely liberated—as if I had come of age. I thought to myself, I can do whatever I like now. There was a man who I knew had fancied me for a long time. At first, I was seeing all the negatives, thinking, He’s too old, plus, there's that one over-long eyebrow hair—you know, all the little faults you look out for to stop you from baring yourself.

Then I thought to myself, Ags, for the love of God, just go for it. After a few glasses of champagne, I let my guard down, relaxed into it and became very turned on. It was as if a rocket had gone off in my head—and my nether regions!