Frisky Fifties swap boardroom for bedroom

By Paul Majendie

LONDON (Reuters) - The "Frisky Fifties" have swapped the boardroom for the bedroom but one in 10 could be putting themselves at risk of infection by having sex without a contraceptive, a survey showed on Thursday.

The survey of sexually active seniors in a youth-dominated culture revealed age is no barrier for those with more time on their hands - almost half of those polled were having sex at least once a week.

"These findings shatter the myth that once you hit 50 your sex life is over," said Emma Soames, editor of Saga Magazine which has tapped a rich new market in sprightly, affluent pensioners ready to live their retirement years to the full.

By the year 2025, people over 60 will outnumber the under 25's. Already the over 55's, prime benefactors from a property boom, own 80 percent of the nation's disposable wealth.

With the burden of bringing up children now lifted, many have money to burn while enjoying greater longevity and better health.

Soames said: "Forget about the Dirty Thirties or the Naughty Forties. The Frisky Fifties are having the most fun by swapping the boardroom for the bedroom."

Sex is also less pressure after 50, according to 85 percent of those sounded out in the survey. Seven out of 10 found sex more fulfilling than when they did in their youth.

A minority of just 16 percent admitted using performance-enhancing drugs like Viagra for added zing.