Jane Fonda's sex life 'never better'

It is more than 40 years since Jane Fonda became a Hollywood sex symbol but the actress says she has never had a better time in the sack than now — despite an artificial knee and hip replacement.

The 71-year-old Fonda credits an active sex life with helping to preserve a youthful look, she has told German newspaper Bilt.

"I owe 30 percent to genes, 30 percent to good sex, 30 per cent because of sports and healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and for the remaining 10 per cent — I have to thank my plastic surgeon," she was quoted as saying.

"I'm 71 and physically don't feel so good since I'm in pain … but I'm happier, the sex is better and I understand life better — I don't want to be young again."

Fonda insists her recently acquired artificial knee and titanium hip do not prevent her from enjoying amorous activities.

But a recent operation on her spine has left the star of Barbarella with some pain and she jokes that she is "slowly falling apart", like a "walking parts depot".

But she refuses to allow the trials of age to curtail her zest for life and even plans to hike in the Himalayas next October.

"I had to have it all repaired because … at 8000m, my body has to run smoothly," she said.

Fonda won a legion of hearts as Barbarella in the 1968 science fiction film, before enjoying a long career that has also seen her produce the highest-selling exercise video of all time.

She is reportedly getting set to marry her fourth husband, 67-year-old music executive Richard Perry.