'I'm 69 and go out on lots of dates with younger women - but no one seems interested'
The civil servant says that sex is still a crucial part of a relationship in later life and is keen to "be seen as a human being with sexual needs".
There’s a common misconception that as we age, sex becomes less important.
But a new study has shown that one in five people over 70 are still sexually active and that 36 percent say their desire and libido has not gone away with age.
For one man in that older age bracket, however, the search for love isn't proving easy.
In fact Clifford Ross, 69, a civil servant from York, said that although he’s dated many younger women, securing a long term and loving relationship is testing his resolve.
He said: “I’ve had a few short-term relationships in the past, which have lasted three months. I’ve always lived alone,” says Cliff who is on the hunt for a partner in the bars of his home city.
He said: “I’m very sociable and go out quite a bit. I meet a lot of women, but they’re a little younger than me (in their 50s). I live in York, so I like to go to the different bars to meet people there.”
In fact he’s such a regular customer to the nighttime hotspots that Cliff is given the celeb treatment - but reveals that hasn’t made his search for love any easier.
He said: “Because I’ve been going there for so long, they give me VIP treatment, so I get to skip the queues – people sometimes think I’m a celebrity which is nice.
“At the bars, I do get women coming up and chatting to me quite a bit, but nothing seems to come from it.”
And, says Cliff, he thinks that it’s his advancing years that are proving the barrier to sealing the deal with a prospective partner.
He said: “I also think prospective partners are put off by society’s perception of relationships in older age.
“It’s hard to find people to date as there are limited options to meet new people in today’s society for older people.”
Although Cliff often has initial luck with dates, the sparks quickly fizzle out.
He said: "Most of the women I meet really love a good, fun chat, and we often spend all evening talking together.
"The thing I struggle with is securing further interest after a few dates. Although saying this, I met someone recently with whom I have a mutual interest in the races.
"We’ve got a date in the diary to go to the races together which is exciting, and something I’m really looking forward to. I have my fingers crossed it goes well and we have a lovely day together."
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Although an emotional connection and shared interests are vital to Cliff in a new girlfriend, he says that sex is also crucial too.
He said: “Sex is still really important to people my age and is something I’m looking for in a long-term romantic relationship."
“Although sexual activities occupy less space in the relationship than an emotional connection based on shared interests.”
He added: “I still have a strong desire to live fully and to allow myself to be seen as a human being with sexual needs.
"As a society, we can all play a role in normalising conversations by challenging what ageing means for one’s romantic and sexual life.”
Cliff is a participant in the 70 Up – Sex, Drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll study, commissioned by later life care company KYN to challenge some of the biggest misunderstandings about age and ageing.