Dr. Lis Boulton on Still Got It
Dr. Lis Boulton, Health and Care Policy Manager at Age UK, discusses Still Got It, a new initiative designed to promote our first ever guide focused on sex, relationships and intimacy in later life.
5 million over 50s think their sexual health needs are overlooked by doctors or other medical professionals, Age UK reveals
Published on 04 February 2026 04:29 PM
- The Charity has released new research as part of a bold initiative to get more people talking about sex as we age
- Alongside promoting its first guide on sex, relationships and intimacy, Age UK hopes this initiative will help transform attitudes towards ageing
- A range of experts and celebrities are backing the empowering message including TV soap star, Michelle Collins
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Age UK has launched an important new initiative called Still Got It to promote the release of its first ever guide focused on sex, relationships and intimacy.
This comes as the Charity recognises a current lack of information and resources around the subject tailored to this age group, with its latest research revealing one quarter (24%) of over 50s wish more information about sex in later life was available.
Age UK also hopes this new publication will help transform attitudes to ageing and challenge the stigma that exists around this subject, by getting people to talk more about sex, relationships and intimacy as we get older.
Sex & intimacy:
The research highlights that, despite three in five (59%) over 50s believing that a healthy sex life is important for a relationship at this age, 10 million (39%) feel uncomfortable discussing this.
Nearly half (47%) of over 50s feel that advertisers and brands ignore the sexual needs of people in their age bracket. This societal stigma has serious knock-on effects on how people in mid and later life are understood and accommodated for, even in healthcare settings. The research reveals that:
- 5 million (19%) over 50s think their sexual health needs are overlooked by their doctor or other medical professionals
- 1 million (15%) over 50s would be too embarrassed to go for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) test
- 9 million (15%) over 50s worry about their sexual health and wellbeing
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Dr Lis Boulton, Health & Care Policy Manager at Age UK, says: “So much of the advice and information out there is created with younger people in mind, who are discovering sex and relationships for the first time. But we know from speaking directly to older people that, as we grow older and our body and circumstances change, the support becomes less readily available – to the point where some feel they shouldn’t be talking about sex or engaging in sexual relationships at all. That’s why a guide like this is needed in more ways than one.”
The Still Got It initiative is supported by a range of credible experts, including TV presenter and dating expert, Anna Williamson, sex and relationship author and columnist, Tracey Cox, behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, and doctor and author, Dr Miriam Stoppard*.
Relationships and connections:
As Valentine’s Day draws closer, dating, relationships, love and self-love become hot topics and while, for some over 50s, the day passes like any other, for others, it’s action-packed.
Age UK’s research reveals that for 3.3 million (12%) over 50s, their ideal Valentine’s Day consist of getting intimate with their partner, and for 1.2 million (4%), it includes trying something new in the bedroom like a new sex position, toy or lingerie. The day is due to be equally busy for 940,000 over 50s, whose ideal Valentine’s Day includes getting back out there to look for a new connection, believing it’s never too late.
When asked how they would look for a relationship, sex or intimacy for themselves or a friend, 11 million (42%) over 50s would hope to do this the traditional way – by meeting someone while out and about. Furthermore:
- 7 million (37%) over 50s said they would join groups or clubs. This could include those run by a local Age UK where new connections are constantly being made
- 1 million (15%) over 50s would go on a singles holiday
- 7 million (10%) over 50s would reconnect with an old flame
Michelle Collins, acclaimed actress and TV soap star, says: “As we get older, the world becomes more obsessed with our age than who we really are. But we’re exactly the same person on the inside as we’ve always been – maybe we even know ourselves better now.
“That’s why I’m so proud to support Age UK’s Still Got It initiative. As someone who found love in her 50s, I’m keen to raise awareness of the stigma that’s out there around older people and sex and relationships and promote the need for more information and advice on this subject like the Charity’s new guide. It’s so important to continue embracing every part of ourselves in later life, including our sexual and romantic needs and desires – and that starts by talking about it.”
Of course, the landscape of finding love has changed a lot in recent years, with two-thirds (64%) of over 50s saying the new world of dating and apps would leave them feeling overwhelmed. Many also admit to not feeling confident in their knowledge of certain topics like erectile dysfunction (36%), STIs (31%), the menopause (28%) and the link between sex and intimacy and mental health (38%).
This new Age UK Guide is all about empowerment through information, helping those over 50 feel as though they can discuss sex, relationships, love, dating and intimacy openly and without fear of judgement or shame. Age UK believes this will, in turn, help ensure people in this age group don’t feel forced to shut down this part of themselves if that’s not what they want, but instead are well-informed enough and encouraged to lead the mid and later life they want to live.
Age UK’s new Guide on sex, relationships and intimacy is available to download, here: www.ageuk.org.uk/still-got-it. After more advice on this subject, either for yourself or someone else? Call Age UK’s Advice Line on 0800 169 6565. All calls are confidential.
Notes to editors
For exclusive statistics, interview requests or to discuss filming opportunities, please contact the PR Team on prteam@ageuk.org.uk.
Research:
Yonder conducted an online survey on behalf of Age UK. A sample of 2,117 UK adults aged 50+ were surveyed between the 21st to 29th November 2025. The statistics have been scaled up to be representative of the UK age 50+ population using ONS mid-year population estimates (2024). Yonder is a founding member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For further information see http://www.britishpollingcouncil.org/. All statistics are drawn from this polling.
*Experts:
Only Jo Hemmings and Dr Miriam Stoppard are currently available for interviews or creating tailored editorial content.
Tracey Cox, author and columnist on dating, sex and relationships, said: “Older people don’t just have sex, they often have better sex than they had when younger. This guide will show you how. It’s practical, helpful, honest and a gift for anyone who wants to enjoy sex, dating and relationships later in life.”
About Age UK:
Age UK believes every older person should be valued and included. We’re working locally, nationally and internationally to change the way we age.
Together with our partners, we’re changing the day-to-day experience of getting older through essential services and local support – like help at home, exercise classes and digital inclusion. Local Age UKs deliver these services, using their expert knowledge of their area to transform older people’s health, wellbeing and finances.
Our specialist, impartial advice is changing how older people feel when they face a challenging issue – whether it’s care, money, health or housing. A call to our free advice line, a visit to our website, or a face-to-face appointment at a local Age UK can help change older people’s worries into answers.
Our friendship services are changing the issue of loneliness among older generations. From weekly chats on the phone and local in-person befriending to round the clock support from our Silver Line Helpline, we’re changing loneliness and isolation into comfort and connection.
We’re an expert voice on ageing, changing the way older people are treated and represented in society through research and campaigning. We work with local, national and international policymakers to challenge inequalities and push for the changes that’ll improve older people’s lives.
Through Age International we are changing the lives of older people facing emergencies and long-term challenges in low and middle-income countries.
Your support makes our work possible. By donating, campaigning and volunteering, you’ll help change older people’s lives – now and in the future.
Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity).