Many people assume sex becomes less frequent with age. A survey of dating-app users suggests the pattern is more mixed.

Researchers connected to the Kinsey Institute worked with a dating app to ask 3,310 users about their recent sex lives. They compared how often different age groups reported having sex in a typical month.

The lowest frequency showed up at both ends of adulthood. The youngest adults and the oldest adults reported about three times in the past month, on average. Adults in the middle age ranges reported more often, averaging about five times in the past month.

The survey also found differences in relationship status. Nearly half of the youngest group said they were single, while only about one-fifth of the other adult groups reported being single.

Even with less frequent sex, the youngest group reported more exploration. A larger share said they had discovered a new sexual interest since joining the app, compared with older users. The researchers suggested two possible reasons: older adults may have had more time to learn what they like, and younger adults may be more open to exploring.

Preferences for relationship style also differed across ages, with some groups leaning more toward monogamy and others more toward non-exclusive arrangements.

Does this match what you’ve seen in real life, or does it surprise you?