The Plight of the Over 50 Porn Star: Why Age Is Just a Number

In our youth-obsessed culture, it’s difficult to think of an older woman as sexy. Just look at all of the ridiculous criticism Madonna’s been subjected to for so much as smooching a man who’s less than half her age—and the lothario Drake, no less. Madonna’s refusal to “act her age” baffles our society and challenges social norms. As a woman over 50, she’s expected to dress modestly, date within her age range, and pretend to be OK with these lame restrictions. But she isn’t. Like many other women over the age of 50, she’s still flirting with her sex appeal, and that takes courage.

While the lion’s share of our culture is onboard for the hot MILF, the hot GILF remains more of a niche. Some members of the old guard are becoming more sexually adventurous now than they ever were in their 20s. According to a survey commissioned by the National Council on Aging, among people over the age of 60 who have regular intercourse, 74 percent of the men and 70 percent of the women say their sex lives are more satisfying now than when they were in their 40s.

“I’m more open-minded in my 50s than I was in my 20s,” says Karen Summer. “I have a better understanding of things now.” After a 20-year hiatus, Summer is returning to porn at the age of 52. Popular in the eighties, Summer left the business in her late 20s, as most girls do. When asked why she’s making her comeback now, Summer stated, “I moved back to L.A., ran into old friends, and decided it would be fun.”

Keep Reading