Sexually Transmitted Diseases Are Surging Among Older Adults

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STD's on the rise for older adults

There's a party going on and you're invited! More and more older adults are having sex, whether single, divorced, widowed or in a committed relationship.

Age may bring some challenges, but sex drive is not one of them. In fact, one study showed that for those with a partner, 46% of men and 41% of women report active sex lives between the ages of 75 and 85.

While this is all good news for the sex lives of older adults, a disturbing trend is emerging. The rate of reported sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among those over 65 has increased more than 7 fold since 2012.

WHAT STD'S ARE OLDER ADULTS GETTING?

According to data published by the federal government, the top three reported STD's among older adults are:

  1. Chlamydia, increase of 214% among older adults between 2012 and 2022

  2. Gonorrhoea, increase of 433% among older adults between 2012 and 2022

  3. Syphilis, increase of 760% among older adults between 2012 and 2022

Another concerning statistic is that men are disproportionately affected by STD's as compared to women, in ratios of 3:1 for chlamydia, 5:1 for gonorrhoea and 10:1 for syphilis. This may in large part be attributed to older single men being significantly more sexually active than older single women.

It should be noted that the rates of infection are still lower for older adults. But many factors seem to be changing the rules of the game and increasing the rates of STD infection for the 65+ dramatically.

WHY ARE MORE OLDER ADULTS GETTING STD'S?

Older adults are likely getting STDs at an increasing rate due to several reasons:

  1. More sex! Assists from healthcare like erectile dysfunction medication, lubricants and vaginal hormone therapy, allow older adults to have sex longer into their lives.

  2. No protection. Older adults are less vigilant with protection. One study showed that only 10% of men 65+ use a condom when out with a date. Their grandchildren on the other hand, use condoms 80% of the time! Part of the reason for low condom use may be because there is no fear of pregnancy.

  3. Unaware. Another theory is that seniors are just unaware of the risks. Many assume it's a younger person issue. That because their partner had been married for so long, the risks are minimal. That you can't get STD's from oral sex.

  4. Let's swing. A larger percentage of older adults are living in communal settings, providing more opportunity for single seniors to spark some romance.

  5. It's the Apps! More older adults are on dating applications, allowing widows and divorcees to meet later in life more than ever before.

  6. Less testing. Unlike younger demographics, seniors are not routinely screened for STD's by their doctors. Moreover, partners are less inclined to demand testing before sex without a condom. Lastly, many seniors are more likely to avoid getting tested even when symptoms may appear.

HOW OLDER ADULTS SHOULD PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM STD'S

Seniors need to start learning about and practicing safe sex. Here are just a few tips:

  1. Wear condoms. If you just started dating or you're having casual sex, wear a condom, no questions asked, no excuses given.

  2. Test, test, test. If you and your partner are ready to take off the cover, you should both get tested.

Please do not rely on asking your partner about their sexual history. Nor should you rely on your assessment of whether your date looks like the type of person to have an STD. Just follow safe sex practices and cover up until you test and test regularly if you're dating regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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