New research reveals the frequency of sexual activity amongst different age groups.
Contrary to popular belief, older adults aren’t necessarily having less sex. Researchers from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University examined how often each generation engages in sexual activity.
The study, ‘The State of Dating: How Gen Z is Redefining Sexuality and Relationships’, was conducted with support from the dating app Feeld. It included data from 3,310 Feeld users and uncovered some intriguing insights.
Findings indicate Gen Z individuals are engaging in less sex and fewer relationships compared to older generations. Dr Justin Lehmiller, the lead researcher, noted that both Gen Z and Boomers have similar sexual frequencies, with both groups having the least sex. Nearly half of Gen Z participants reported being single, compared to one-fifth of Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
Gen Z reported having sex three times in the last month, while Millennials and Gen X averaged five times. Despite having less sex, Gen Z appears more adventurous. About 55 percent of Gen Z respondents discovered a new kink since joining Feeld, compared to 49 percent of Millennials, 39 percent of Gen X, and 33 percent of Boomers.
Researchers suggest two reasons for this trend. Older adults may have already identified their sexual preferences, having had more time to explore. Additionally, younger adults today show a greater interest in kink, leading to more exploration.
Regarding relationship preferences, Gen Z favoured traditional monogamy (23 percent). Millennials and Gen X preferred ethical non-monogamy (24 percent and 27 percent respectively), and Boomers leaned towards friends with benefits (27 percent).
What Other Media Are Saying
- National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project examined the decline in sexual frequency among older adults, attributing it to changes in marital status, physical health, and happiness, using data from 3,005 Americans aged 57–85 years. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How often do different generations have sex?
Gen Z has sex three times a month, Millennials and Gen X five times.
Is it true that older people have less sex?
Not necessarily. Younger people and Boomers have nearly identical sexual frequencies.
Are Gen Zers having fewer relationships than other generations?
Yes, nearly half of Gen Z reported being single compared to about one-fifth of other generations.
Are younger generations more adventurous in bed?
Yes, 55% discovered new kinks since joining Feeld, higher than older generations.
What relationship types do different generations prefer?
Gen Z favors monogamy (23%), Millennials and Gen X prefer ethical non-monogamy (~25%), Boomers prefer friends with benefits (27%).