Singles Over 50:
Women Want More
Sex:
Men want Common
Interests
|
|
FAR HILLS, New Jersey, and SAN
FRANCISCO, Jan. 21 2004 -- In this first-ever survey,
400 single men and women over the age of 50 compared
the qualities they looked for in their youth to the
qualities they now desire. The survey showed a
significant departure from younger years. |
|
 |
|
Men and Women Expect and Look for Different Things
|
|
|
For women over 50, "sex and romance" is now
the number-one characteristic they look for in a partner. For
men, "sex and romance," which was the number- two quality they
looked for in their youth, is now fourth. What is first for
men over 50? Amazingly, "common interests," followed by
"attractiveness" and "intelligence" (possibly a surprise for
those that believe men are not interested in smart women)."
The survey was done in conjunction with a highly acclaimed new
book by San Francisco authors Mason Grigsby and Nancy W.
Collins entitled: "Love
At Second Sight -- Playing the Mid-Life Dating Game,".
In addition to the survey results, the book contains over 200
stories of male and female dating encounters coupled with
practical advice for both sexes.
Qualities women desired in the first marriage were: "good
provider" (number one), followed by "intelligence," and "good
companionship." Women rated "sex and romance" as the
number-four quality desired in earlier marriages.
The complete survey consists of 20 questions on a wide range
of subjects including:
-
What qualities did you look for
in a first marriage and what qualities do you look for now?
-
How important is it to get
married again?
-
Why did your last marriage fail?
-
And, what would you do
differently in your next relationship or marriage?
Commenting on the book, John Gray, Ph.D.,
author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" said:
"This is a realistic book for today's mid-life single person
aspiring to be in a relationship. 'Love At Second Sight'
candidly reveals what it actually means to start over and
balance a past life with a new love relationship."
Why do men and women switch in later life
on sexuality and companionship? "It's one of the
blessings of menopause for both men and women," explains
Laura Dawn Lewis, Couples Company's CEO and author of
The Sensuality Series.
"As estrogen levels drop in women and
testosterone levels drop in men, couples literally reverse
roles between their 50's and late '70's making men more
interested in the sharing and caring parts of a relationship
and women, no longer under the control of fluctuating
hormones, more aggressive in personality and sexuality. Plus,
the fear of pregnancy is no longer an issue so sex can be
enjoyed without the penalties of an unplanned pregnancy."
These attitudes and drives for later life
adults appear to aid in survival as well. Since most men
are older than their wives, women tend to switch into the head
of household role by their late seventies and generally end up
caring for their husbands as the couple ages. |
