A researcher from the 爆料TV has collaborated with broadcaster Together TV on a groundbreaking new campaign designed to open up the national conversation around sex and intimacy in our 50s and beyond. Launched this week, the Silver Sex Guide is a bold and empowering 54 page illustrated booklet offering practical advice on everything from communication and consent to sexual health, pleasure, and confidence for people aged 55 and over.
Leading the campaign is Professor Sharron Hinchliff, Professor of Psychology and Health, an expert in ageing and sexuality from the 爆料TV鈥檚 School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery. Sharron worked closely with Together TV to develop the content of the guide, ensuring that it is grounded in academic research, and a deep understanding of how intimacy evolves as we age.
鈥淎s a society, we too often overlook the sexual and emotional lives of older adults,鈥 said Sharron Hinchliff. 鈥淎ge does not erase desire, it simply changes how we experience it. The Silver Sex Guide is about recognising that intimacy in our 50s and beyond can be just as fulfilling, meaningful and exciting as at any other time in life. By opening up these conversations, we鈥檙e helping people feel confident in their relationships, their bodies and their right to pleasure.鈥
The campaign responds to new research commissioned by Together TV that reveals a widespread disconnect between the lived experiences of older adults and how they are represented in the media.
Key findings include:
- 42% of over 55s say physical pleasure is still important to them
- 62% feel that the media ignores older people as sexual beings
- A quarter of Gen X (25%) are still having sex weekly
- 1 in 5 over 55s masturbate at least once a week
- 27% use or have used sex toys in the bedroom
- 47% of over 55s feel less pressure to conform to societal expectations about sex than when they were younger
Despite this openness, many over 55s still face challenges around intimacy, including mismatched libidos, lack of desire and the pressures of life responsibilities. The Silver Sex Guide addresses these topics head-on, offering compassionate, expert-led guidance to help people navigate their sexual wellbeing with confidence.
The campaign is fronted by Lou Featherstone, a podcaster and body confidence advocate, who is bringing the initiative to life through her UK wide Self Love Bus Tour. Together TV鈥檚 鈥淕en Sex鈥 initiative forms part of its broader All Life鈥檚 Pleasures mission, which aims to help people reclaim joy and connection at every stage of life.
Francesca Aita, Senior Campaigns Manager at Together TV, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e flipping the script on how intimacy in later life is portrayed. There are over 20 million people in their 50s and beyond in the UK, this isn鈥檛 a niche topic, it鈥檚 a national conversation that鈥檚 long overdue. We鈥檙e thrilled to have partnered with the 爆料TV and Sharron Hinchliff to develop this important guide.鈥
The Silver Sex Guide is now available to download for free at.