Relate Press Releases
MAY 07 2012 / Survey of over 24,000 reveals double dip recession impacts the sex lives of the thirties
Double dip recession impacts the sex lives of the thirties
. 25% say financial worries are having a negative impact on their sex life
. 24% of 30-39 yr olds are not having a good sex life - highest of all age groups
The sex lives of thirty year olds are being hit hard by the double dip recession according to a new report out today from Relate and Ann Summers. The stark findings from The Sex Census 2012 show that 25% of 30-39 year olds who took the survey, admit that their sex life is being impacted by financial worries. The results, found in a report at www.yoursexcensus.com demonstrate the powerful effect the turbulent economy is having on our sex lives and our relationships.
Just under 25,000 people from across all age groups, genders, sexualities and sexual orientations, took part in the Sex Census 2012, which offers a unique snapshot into the sexual behaviours and attitudes in the UK.
From how often and how good through to major impacts on our sex lives, the report reveals that 56% of the participants think they have a good sex life and 48% said they are having sex every few days but yet 50% of women and 63% of men want more.
However, the results also identify that the 30-39 age group are having the worst sex and are the age bracket most likely to face sexual difficulties:
. 25% say financial worries are having a negative impact on their sex life
. 24% say they are not having good sex
. 55% of women aged 30-39 say they want more sex and a whopping 71% of men say the same
. 35% identify that children are having a negative impact on their sex life - highest of all age groups
. 21% of this group never talk to their partners about their sex lives - highest of all age groups
In the 30-39 age category both men and women's sex lives are suffering from:
- Tiredness - 22%
- Low body confidence 16%
- Depression - 8%
Paula Hall, Sex therapist for Relate, said: "We know from research done previously that the thirties can be a difficult period for some*. Pressures such as mortgages, children and work can really hit hard in this decade, but combined with the impact of a double dip recession, it creates a pressure cooker for our relationships and sex lives and naturally something has to give."
Other Statistics about the 30-39 year olds:
- 26% of men and women have used a social media site to meet a stranger for sex - the highest percentage across all age groups.
- 31% of men within this age group feel the pressure to lie about their sex life - the highest across all age groups.
- The 30-39 year old age group are more likely to benefit from a holiday with 22% citing a holiday would have a positive effect on their sex life.
CEO of Ann Summers, Jacqueline Gold, said: "We are all aware of the impact stress has on our lives, but it is interesting to see the negative effect it has on our sex lives. Sex is a hugely important aspect of relationships, as the results indicate and communication is a major part of this. I am glad we have identified this grey areas and can work together to try and improve the nations' sex life."
Paula Hall continues: "This age group is always a tricky one. The pressures to have it all are well documented in the media but it's important that people don't give up on their sex lives. The results tell us that this age group actually want more sex, so people need to take time to work out what's stopping them. It could be a communication barrier, or it might be the fact that you aren't putting time aside for each other - whatever it is, having an open discussion can help get your sex life back on track."
About Relate's sex therapy service - At Relate we are passionate about healthy and happy relationships and we believe that for most people, a fulfilling sex life can be a key element towards achieving that. That's why our Sex Therapists help thousands of people each year to improve their sex lives. No matter what the problem is, we won't judge you or make you feel embarrassed, we will help you work though your issues and build a more satisfying sex life as a result. We also offer relationship counselling, children and young people counselling, family counselling and a variety of workshops and courses. If you are worried about your sex life, or you'd like to improve your relationships, you can talk to us.
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For further information or imagery, please contact:
Katie Byrne (Ann Summers PR Manager): 01883 629 432 or katie_b@annsummers.com
Kim Atkins (Head of Marketing and PR at Relate): 020 7554 2885 or kim.atkins@relate.org.uk
24,709 people took part in the sex census which ran at www.sexcensus.com in December 2011 and January 2012. Please note, where appropriate statistics have been rounded up to the closest whole number.
*The Way We Are Now, Relate, 2010 - http://www.relate.org.uk/the-way-we-are-now/index.html
NOTES TO EDITORS
Ann Summers has 150 stores throughout the UK and Spain.
To locate your nearest Ann Summers store visit www.annsummers.com
The Ann Summers website, www.annsummers.com, has over 1.5 million individual visitors per month
There are over 7,500 Ann Summers Party Organisers who hold approximately 4,000 parties per week
Relate’s vision is a future in which healthy relationships form the heart of a thriving society
Relate’s services extend beyond couple counselling to family counselling, counselling for young people, online counselling, sex therapy and informal workshops
Relate works in schools, primary care settings, prisons, and Children’s Centres
Relate supports 150,000 people each year in over 600 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Relate has a work-force of 2,000 people nationwide
For more information and advice visit: www.relate.org.uk