Press Release - FORGET GEN X: IT’S TIME FOR...GEN SEX. Together TV launches national movement celebrating sex, intimacy and confidence for over-55s
- Together TV in collaboration with University of Sheffield launch illustrated Silver Sex Guide offering over 55s helpful advice on sex and relationships
- New research reveals 42% of over-55s say physical pleasure is important to them, but almost two thirds (62%) still feel the media ignores older people as sexual beings
- A quarter of over 55s (25%) say they have more time now to explore their sexual pleasures, with a quarter (25%) of Gen X having sex on a weekly basis
- Podcaster and female empowerment activist, Lou Featherstone, is supporting the initiative – helping people “embrace their sexuality, no matter the age!”
- The Silver Sex Guide isnow available to download at www.togethertv.com/sex
30th July 2025: A new, bold movement to celebrate intimacy, wellbeing and pleasure in life of 55s and over has been launched this week, starting with a sex guide for over 55s, a 54-page illustrated manual packed with expert advice and real talk on love, sex and everything in between. The Silver Sex Guide looks to challenge outdated sexual stereotypes and offer the older generations a little intimate assistance in the bedroom.
Created by broadcaster Together TV in collaboration with Professor Sharron Hinchliff at the University of Sheffield, the Silver Sex Guide celebrates sex and relationships over the age of 55, offering a little encouragement, advice, and extra spice.
From pleasure and positions to sexual health and open communication, the three-part guide comes as research reveals that despite outdated attitudes, sex is still important to those in the third phase of life. The Silver Sex Guide is part of Together TV’s wider aim to celebrate All Life’s Pleasures - a joyful, sex-positive campaign reclaiming pleasure, confidence and connection at every age. Supported by a TV, billboard and digital marketing campaign and real-world presence at Lou Featherstone’s Self Love Bus Tour, the movement will be seen across the UK this summer.
The campaign comes in response to new Opinium research commissioned by Together TV, revealing that more than four in 10 (42%) Brits over-55 say physical pleasure is important to them, with a quarter (25%) of Gen X having sex on a weekly basis.
However, almost two thirds (62%) of those over the age of 55 still feel the media ignores older people as sexual beings.
Almost half of over 55s (47%) feel less pressure to conform to societal expectations about sex now compared to when they were younger, with a quarter (25%) saying they have more time for it now too!
The sexual spark certainly doesn’t dull with age either, as more than a quarter (27%) of over 55s have or regularly use a sex toy in the bedroom. And when it comes to flying solo, one in five (19%) masturbate at least once a week and 27% more than twice a month.
When it comes to preferred positions, the research shows classics such as missionary (23%), doggy style (19%), and girl-on-top (19%) remain the go-tos for Brits over 55.
Despite older Brits being open to and enjoying sexual intimacy, the complexities and hurdles that come with intimate relationships persist.
The top challenges to sexual intimacy for the older generations include having a different sex drive to their partner (19%), experiencing a lack of desire (17%), and stress or life responsibilities (15%).
Luckily for our sexually active seniors, Together TV’s Silver Sex Guide provides advice and guidance on everything from getting your mojo back and communicating sexual desires, to ‘passing your sexual MOT’ and finding the right position for you.
As part of the campaign, podcaster and female empowerment activist, Lou Featherstone, is a proud ambassador of the initiative. She said: "Society often sidelines conversations about confidence, desire, and joy as we get older, but these qualities never diminish. I’m proud to support Together TV’s campaign to challenge outdated taboos and encourage more openness. And most importantly, help people embrace their sexuality, no matter the age!"
Professor Sharron Hinchliff, University of Sheffield said: “Age does not erase desire - it simply changes how we experience it. The Together TV’s campaign and the Silver Sex Guide is about recognising that intimacy in life in our 50s and beyond can be just as fulfilling, meaningful and exciting. By opening up these conversations, we’re helping people feel confident in their relationships, their bodies and their right to pleasure.”
Francesca Aita at Together TV said: "We’re flipping the script on how intimacy in later life is portrayed. There are over 20 million people aged in their 50s and beyond in the UK. This isn’t a niche - it’s a national conversation that’s long overdue. Our new findings highlight a real gap in how people aged 55 and over are represented when it comes to discussions about intimacy and confidence. Many people in this age group report high levels of sexual activity and confidence, but they feel invisible in mainstream conversations. The Silver Sex Guide aims to change that by offering practical support and encouraging open dialogue."
The Silver Sex Guide is now available to download at www.togethertv.com/sex
Together TV broadcasts on Freeview 83, Sky 170, Virgin 136 and Freesat 162. You can also watch online via live streaming.
For more information visit www.togethertv.com
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Study of 2,000 Brits commissioned by Together TV via OPINIUM RESEARCH, January 2025
About Together TV
Together TV is the UK broadcaster inspiring positive change. We motivate people to improve their wellbeing, build confidence, and connect with their communities. Broadcasting on Freeview 83, Sky 170, Virgin 136, Freesat 162, and online, Together TV champions diverse voices and delivers meaningful social impact.
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