You were swinging in the Sixties, but will you still be swinging in your sixties, seventies and eighties? JO HAYWOOD investigates living and loving in later life.

Birds do it. Bees do it. It goes without saying that educated fleas do it. But people over 60 absolutely, definitely do not do it. Do they? Of course they do. According to research by Age Concern, at least 50 per cent of men and women are sexually active into their seventies and beyond.

Which is where the charity's latest book comes in. Intimate Relations: Living And Loving In Later Life (Age Concern Books, £9.99) by Dr Sarah Brewer, who has produced more than 40 popular health books and is a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph, Marie Claire and Prima.

Her latest offering is a comprehensive reference guide, cutting across many sexual taboos, providing a wealth of practical and sensual suggestions for older couples.

"The passage of time brings with it inevitable changes in your body, no matter how hard you - or your cosmetic surgeon - work to hold them at bay," she said. "However, your ability to feel love, and to share erotic experiences, is still there, just as it always was.

"A rewarding sex life is an important part of well-being and a loving relationship - at all stages of adult life."

A survey by the National Council On Ageing in the US found that almost 60 per cent of men and women 60 still enjoyed a full sex life. Similar surveys by Age Concern in the UK found that about 80 per cent of older people who are sexually active have sex at least once a week (20 per cent twice a week, and 30 per cent three times a week).

But what happens when things go wrong? One in five couples who seek sex therapy at Relate in York have at least one partner who is over 50.

"Problems can occur for any number of reasons," said director Joe McGuinness. "They can be physical, such as arthritis, or more emotional, such as a drop in self-esteem brought about by retirement from a high-powered job. But most are treatable."

Often the most difficult step is seeking help in the first place.

"Older people find the whole idea of sex therapy daunting and embarrassing," Mr McGuinness continued. "Talking about their sex life with a stranger is not something they would necessarily choose to do.

"All I would say is that counselling works. There are no guarantees of course, but research shows that it can make a real difference."

Physical problems tend to be more prevalent as you get older, but that doesn't necessarily signal the end of intimacy.

According to Dr Brewer, even serious health concerns like heart disease, stroke and cancer need not get in the way of a fulfilling relationship.

"You don't have to swing from the chandeliers, adopt contortionist positions, or even be particularly physically mobile in order to share an enjoyable love life with your partner," she said.

"Many couples actually enjoy sex more as they get older. The demands of children, jobs and paying the mortgage tend to be behind them, so they have more time for relaxation and fun."

You might even find that a little of what you fancy does you good. A study in Wales found that the risk of death at any age of men with a high orgasmic frequency (twice a week or more) was half that of men with a low orgasmic frequency (less than once a month).

Researchers have also found that male hair growth seems to increase when sex is anticipated, probably as a result of increased testosterone activity. These increased levels can also protect against male osteoporosis and coronary heart disease, as well as improving muscle bulk.

As if that wasn't enough, regular sex also helps to relieve congestion of the prostate gland, inflammation in joints and stress.

For women, regular sex can increase blood oestrogen levels, helping to protect against coronary heart disease and osteoporosis. Sexual activity can help to keep the female pelvic floor muscles toned, reducing the risk of stress incontinence and prolapse. And, for menopausal women, it can also lead to fewer hot flushes and slower physical ageing.

"In both men and women, levels of the hormone oxytocin peak during orgasm," said Dr Brewer. "This has a tranquillising effect, helping to provide a good night's sleep.

"Oxytocin is also the hormone that helps to bind a couple together in love, and a regular sex life will continue to cement your relationship no matter how long you have been together."

This doesn't mean, however, that sex, swinging from the chandelier or otherwise, is compulsory for the over-60s. Both partners have to feel comfortable with their level of sexual activity.

"Any frequency of lovemaking is normal so long as you and your partner are happy," said Dr Brewer. "Many couples share love, affection and a meaningful emotional relationship without a physically active sex life."

Much to the relief of their nearest and dearest, who often find it difficult to accept that mum and dad, or grandma and granddad, do anything more exciting in the bedroom than plump their pillows.

This aversion can come to the fore quite dramatically when a parent or grandparent embarks on a new relationship later in life.

"Many single, older people fall in love and enjoy the new emotions that love and intimacy can bring in later life," said Dr Brewer. "Their family may seem unsupportive or even shocked, but they should try not to be put off progressing a new relationship.

"Few people are entirely comfortable with change, and the thought of their older relatives embarking on a new relationship - particularly one that may have a physical side - can seem challenging to them.

"At the end of the day, you must do what you feel is right in your heart. It is your life and future. Enjoy!"

Intimate Relations by Dr Sarah Brewer is available from bookshops, or by contacting Age Concern Books directly at PO Box 232, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4XQ (tel: 0870 4422 120) or www.ageconcern.org.uk/shop.

The Relate Guide To Loving In Later Life is also available in bookshops, or online at www.relate.org.uk.

Updated: 09:37 Tuesday, May 11, 2004