54% of men and 31% of women in their 70s and 80s describe themselves as sexually active. However, only 31% of men and 20% of women of that age say they often kiss their partners.
(English Longitudinal Study of Ageing/The Telegraph)
Bother! And here I am I telling Americans how romantic British men are!
Is it Epicurean to want society to be more romantic? Sexually or otherwise?
If only 31% of elderly men and 20% of women say they often kiss their partners, this cannot be said to be excess; some would say it is pathetic. It is true that he frowned on excessive sexual passion as being contrary to peace of mind, simple pleasures being preferable to painful excesses. But it doesn’t sound as if British oldies can be criticised for that!
So let me suggest another Epicurean statement: “Let us live while we are alive”. Yes! I think the answer is that we need more love, affection, even passion, in society – but in moderation. Yes, in moderation.
Dear gentlemen–I enjoyed this exchange and I confess that I’m unclear on what Epicurus (or anyone) thought of as “romantic.” Why should there be a significantly higher percentage of “sexually active” septuagenarians and octogenarians yet they kiss at a lower rate than they are “active?”
It’s probably a necessary fact that octogenarians are more moderate than they had been of yore.
Actually, I am not qualified to answer this question, since I know nothing about the subject. There! I have admitted it.
This blog has been a bit serious recently. Has anyone any good stories to tell or anything funny to say? I for one would be delighted if they did.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2015/feb/06/being-97-no-barrier-enjoying-cycling-copenhagen-heres-why-
I think this is cool. I wish this kind of thing would happen in America.
Its a great way to get out, it takes care of the elderly; I’m sure Epicurus would approve.
He would. We bought brand new bikes last Spring, but never seem to have time to use them. What we need is for someone to come and pedal us around. Any takers?