A nationwide study from Ourtime has revealed that it is not until our FIFTIES that we feel truly sexy, with more than HALF (53 percent) of over 50s insisting they feel friskier now than they did in their twenties.
More precisely, 53 emerged as the age Brits feel hottest, With Tess Daley, Jennifer Aniston, Hugh Jackman and Gillian Anderson having all turned 53 in 2022.
The survey of Brits aged 50 plus found as many as four in ten (41 percent) said they were more comfortable in their own skin and confident about their looks than ever before.
When it comes to dating, almost a fifth (18 percent) of those surveyed reckon it is spicier and more exciting than when they were meeting people in their youth.
53 percent say they now know what they want – and aren’t afraid to go for it, while 40 percent admit they’ve let go of worrying about how they come across.
While 32 percent love a silver fox, claiming that some people just get better looking and sexier with age.
The research of 1,000 singletons over the age of 50, commissioned by Ourtime, a dating service dedicated to singles over 50, also found a quarter of over 50s found their relationship and sex life became more exciting after hitting a half century.
So it’s no surprise that 31 percent say that the idea of sex getting boring and “vanilla” as you get older is a myth – with 29 percent claiming the notion of 50 plus Brits never having one night stands is outdated and inaccurate.
And mature dating is not dull, as respondents said they enjoy fun nights out, including dinner at the hottest restaurants in town (48 percent), jetting off for naughty weekends (40 percent) and beach dates (24 percent).
16 percent still love a night out dancing, while 12 percent enjoy exotic cooking classes like sushi making.
And one in twenty (six percent) say they wouldn’t mind getting stuck into some axe throwing during date night.
Rachel Peru, a silver haired curve model and body confidence activist said: “Being single later on in life doesn’t have to mean your love life is over. In fact, this research clearly shows that dating in your 50s can be more exciting! When I met my husband Mark online, it was an extremely fun and empowering experience because, as the survey suggests, you do gain more confidence the older you get and you understand what you want and don’t want from a relationship.
“Ourtime, which is dedicated for over 50s, is the perfect way to meet that special someone later in life; it provides a safe environment to explore new opportunities and meet likeminded people. Don’t let your age hold you back!”
A third of the 50 plus Brits polled admit that passing the big 5-0 mark meant they let go of their previous insecurities and inhibitions.
The research also found that 35 percent reject the idea of everyone “letting themselves go” when they hit middle age.
Other inaccurate stereotypes of what it means to grow old include everyone being fat and wrinkly (44 percent), over fifties only eating boring, bland food (36 percent) and people getting desperate to find someone so they don’t grow old alone (34 percent).
So it’s hardly surprising that 50 percent of those polled are insulted when they hear people say that over 50 are boring and tame when it comes to dating and relationships.
Other reasons for finding confidence with age include knowing who your friends are and not wasting time with people who aren’t worth it (52 percent), learning how to say no by the time you’re 50 (49 percent) and feeling at peace with yourself (47 percent).
CELEBRITIES WHO ARE 53 IN 2022
Tess Daly
Jennifer Aniston
Kylie Minogue
Owen Wilson
Mariah Carey
Hugh Jackman
Paul Rudd
Cate Blanchett
Gillian Anderson
Jason Bateman
Lucy Lui
Naomi Watts
Ends-
For more information, please contact the team at Publicasity on ourtime@publicasity.co.uk | 0203 757 6800