BRITAIN — If you had to choose between living a long life — without sex — or having a fulfilling — but short — sex-filled life, which would you choose?A recent poll of Britons found that a surprising number of them would give up the old in-out/in-out if it meant they could live to 100.

Perhaps unsurprising given the reputation of British lovemaking, 48-percent of women polled said they could do without dodging the wet spot if it meant sticking around longer. Men were somewhat less enthusiastic about never knowing the thrill of shared intimacy, with 31-percent concluding that as much as they might like getting their Union Jack polished by local Janes, the idea of living to 100 was an even bigger thrill.

Overall, 40-percent of those involved in the Mori research project said they’re take life over lust. But nearly all involved agreed that turning aside a lover or spouse was one thing, but turning away from friendship or family was quite another. If living to 100 meant not having friends or being with family, 94-percent concluded that they’d just as soon die young and leave a pretty corpse.

Nonetheless, half of those who participated in the BUPA private health care commissioned survey encouraged scientists to keep up the good work and do what they can to extend human life.