Which Generation Of Women Has The Best Sex?

When does women’s “sexual peak” happen?

Well, if we’re talking pure drive, those between 27 and 45 years old seem to have more sexual fantasies and a higher interest in sex than other age groups. 

And if we get into orgasm rates, women over 30 appear most likely to report “finishing” from sexual activity. 

But if we look at overall gratification, or how satisfied we are by our sexual experiences, it seems the older, the better. 

A 2012 paper suggested that women over 80 are among the most sexually satisfied, despite lower sexual desire or sexual activity. 

We spoke to licensed sexologist, relationship therapist, and author at Passionerad, Sofie Roos, about what having the “best sex” of your life really means, and which generation of women is likeliest to be enjoying it. 

What is the “best sex” for women anyway? 

Despite this data, Roos told us, “It’s not as easy as saying that one generation is having better sex than another one”.

That’s because, while the higher libido linked to 27-45-year-olds can create a “high sexual self-confidence where you feel very sexy, intense and curious,” the satisfaction rate among post-menopausal women offers a different sort of joy. 

“They might not have sex so often, but when they do, it really gives them a lot, and they feel satisfied,” Roos said.

Indeed, the 80-plus-year-olds in the 2012 study were found to be more fulfilled “often without needing intercourse, suggesting that closeness, affection, and emotional bonds play a bigger role in fulfilment than physical sex”.

As Roos said, “It’s difficult to compare the sex you’re having when you’re young with the much different kind of intimacy you have when getting older.” 

And, the sexologist added, both younger and older women have access to a greater range of sex education and toys than ever before. 

“Today’s younger women [generally] have the best access to information around sex, but also to affordable sex toys and apps where you can meet potential partners, [and] are better at setting boundaries and expressing their wishes and needs compared to previous generations,” she explained.

But these tools aren’t limited to women under 50.

Better information and cheaper, more accessible toys might skew that upper age range too: Roos thinks they might be part of the reason “why these older women express... having the best sex of their life”.

You don’t need to wait for the “best sex” of your life 

“In the end,” Roos continued, “sexual quality is extremely individual, and it’s difficult to rank it through life as memories change.

“I would therefore say that no woman should go around and wait for having the best sex, but instead,  start actively... getting to know [yourself] better, get better at setting boundaries, and be with partners that respect you and want to truly satisfy you.

“Then you’ll see that you’ll have the best sex at all epochs of life; it’ll just change!”