By the time the 50s come along the children have flown the nest, enabling men to enjoy quality time with their partner in and out of bed.

In fact he even rates himself with the next generation, claiming satisfaction almost equal to a 20-year-old.

Experts who questioned more than 1,000 volunteers found that while their sex drive has reduced with age, the 50-pluses enjoy themselves more than men in their 40s and a lot more than the least satisfied age group, men in their 30s.

The researchers suggested that fifty-somethings may be more comfortable with their sex lives because they no longer have to worry about the pressures of building a career or looking after young children and can concentrate on having fun.

James Bond Factor

The study conducted by researchers in Norway and the US could soften the blow of reaching 50 and provide hope for millions of men who look forward with dread to "middle age."

It could be the James Bond factor, with Pierce Brosnan at 52 only just retired from Hollywood's sexiest role. Then there's Richard Gere at 55 and Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner and Bruce Willis, all 50 and still playing ladies' men.

The results showed a very strong correlation between men getting older and reduced sexual functioning, but not between age and sexual satisfaction.

"Our results show that although men experience more problems and less sexual function as they get older, it doesn't necessarily follow that they are less satisfied with their sex lives," said Professor Sophie Fossa, co-author of the report.

Sex Life Satisfaction Stats

A team of researchers from universities in Norway and the Harvard Medical School in the US conducted an anonymous postal questionnaire of 1,185 Norwegian men.

They were asked to rate their satisfaction with various aspects of their sex life from zero to four, with four representing no problems.

The results, published in the current-issue of the British Journal of Urology, were surprising.

Men in their 20s recorded an average satisfaction level of 2.79. The second highest was among fifty-somethings, who scored a satisfaction rating of 2.77.

Men in their 30s reached 2.55 while men in their 40s averaged 2.72.

After the age of 59, overall satisfaction fell significantly to 2.46 for men in their 60s and 2.14 for those in their 70s.

'Innate Confidence' in 50-Somethings

The researchers said that various reasons may explain the findings relating to sexual satisfaction in different age groups.

For many men, their 20s is a period of sexual experimentation with a new partner or partners. But those in their 30s may find themselves coping with the twin pressures of starting a family and building a career.

By the time the 50s come along the children have flown the nest, enabling men to enjoy quality time with their partner in and out of bed.

Patti Birch, a sex and relationship therapist, said: "By this age the children have left home and you have more money to spend. At the same time you have reached the peak of your career and if you need to get drugs like Viagra, they are available. Also, at that age men are more expert at knowing what they like sexually and much better than younger men who are still learning sexual expertise. There is an innate confidence in a man who's reached his 50s."