A 102-year-old man has become the oldest person in Britain to be prescribed Viagra through the NHS.
Recent data reveal that more than 250,000 prescriptions for Viagra were dispensed to men aged over 80 last year. This number likely underestimates actual use, as many older men may buy the medication privately.
An analysis of information from 106 clinical commissioning groups across England shows the NHS issued 4.71 million prescriptions last year for erectile dysfunction treatments, at a total cost of £16.9 million.
Men in their 60s received the highest number of prescriptions, reflecting a broad demand across age groups.
This trend coincides with the rise of dating apps and social platforms that increasingly cater to older adults seeking romantic and intimate connections.
One of the most famous older users of Viagra was Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire. Hefner used the medication to maintain an active social life until his death at 91. However, users should be aware of potential side effects, including hearing impairment, vision changes, and dizziness, as reported by health sources.
