The rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and gonorrhea among older Americans is outpacing that of any other age group, according to recent data.
This trend, which is not solely attributable to changes in testing rates or the cessation of Covid lockdowns, is believed to be driven by increased sexual activity among older individuals, coupled with a lower likelihood of STI screening and precautionary measures.
As reported by The Independent, figures from the health research non-profit FAIR Health revealed a 23.8% increase in STI diagnoses among those over 65 and a 16.2% increase among those aged 55 to 64 between 2020 and 2023. This rise is concurrent with a decline in STI diagnoses among individuals under 25. This data aligns with previous findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and global reports, suggesting a long-term trend.
Matthew Lee Smith, a professor of public health at Texas A&M University who studies sexual behavior among older adults, attributes this trend to societal misconceptions about senior sexuality. "Many healthcare providers, and society, incorrectly assume that older adults do not have sex, do not want to have sex, and cannot have sex," Smith told The Independent. His research indicates that older Americans generally have less knowledge and education about STIs and associated risks, likely due to the lack of formal sex education during their formative years.
Joan Price, an 80-year-old sex educator in California and author of Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex, echoes Smith's sentiments. "Seniors are having more sex; they are more sexually lively. They have found ways to cope with the challenges, and they also feel seen and heard in a way that they didn't used to in our society," Price said. However, she notes that this increased sexual activity can work against seniors, as their healthcare providers often overlook the need for STI testing during routine appointments.
The CDC reported in March that diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among individuals over 55 more than doubled between 2012 and 2022, with syphilis cases increasing sevenfold. Similar trends have been observed in China, Korea, Kenya, Botswana, and the UK, where STI diagnoses in individuals over 45 rose by 22% between 2014 and 2019.
Price attributes this trend to people remaining healthy and active for longer, facilitating the maintenance or initiation of an active sex life. She also cites the rise of senior sex education and online dating as factors contributing to a newfound sense of confidence among older individuals, despite lingering prejudice from younger generations.
Smith points to the increased availability of medical treatments enhancing sexual function, such as Viagra and hormone therapy, and the high number of seniors living in retirement communities as additional factors. However, he warns that seniors venturing into this new sexual frontier often do so armed with outdated beliefs and knowledge, particularly if they are emerging from long-term monogamous relationships.
This lack of current knowledge can lead to an increased sense of shame when discussing STIs and a lack of confidence in negotiating boundaries, such as consistent condom use. Price notes that some older men resist using condoms due to struggles with erectile dysfunction and a reluctance to decrease sensation.
Smith adds that societal prejudice and stigma may make older individuals feel ashamed to purchase condoms or discuss STIs with their doctors. Furthermore, the gender imbalance in the senior dating market, resulting from women's longer average lifespan, can lead to a high degree of partner sharing, accelerating the spread of infections.
To address this issue, Smith advocates for a more accepting societal view of senior sexuality and encourages open discussions about sexual activity among older individuals. He recommends that doctors routinely inquire about their older patients' sexual activity and screen them for STIs when appropriate.
Price advises seniors to always carry condoms and insist on their use unless in a committed monogamous relationship. "We need to help people understand that condoms are not going to be a huge blow to your sex life. It will actually make more things possible, because you will feel safe doing things you would not feel safe doing without it," she said. This advice underscores the importance of maintaining sexual health and safety, regardless of age.
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