Between 2013 and 2023, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that chlamydia diagnoses for persons aged 65 and older tripled. Gonorrhea cases surged approximately sixfold, while syphilis cases saw nearly a tenfold increase. To address this growing trend, medical practitioners and researchers are examining the reasons for this spike and identifying several causes for the rise in STIs in older Americans.
In a 2020 study, researchers asked 65 to 94-year-olds basic questions about STIs and received a lot of incorrect answers. Only about half of the participants knew that gonorrhea was curable, and approximately 66% believed a woman could tell if she was infected by looking at her body. This lack of knowledge is one of the factors contributing to the surge of STIs among this population. Another one is low condom use. Since pregnancy is no longer a concern, many forgo using protection. A study conducted by the AARP found that only 8% of older individuals sexually active in the last month reported using condoms all the time.
Because older people stay healthier longer, they are more active in the bedroom. Since women have a longer life expectancy than men, there is a significant gender imbalance that leads to men having multiple female partners. Low or absent condom use combined with nonmonogamous sexual behavior increases STI rates. Additionally, there are more opportunities for sexual partners as widowed and divorced people congregate in living communities. Matthew Smith, associate professor at Texas A&M School of Public Health and lead author of the study, explains, “They are residing together and want intimacy.” All of the factors and the overall discomfort when talking about sex further exacerbate the STI rates in this group.
The rise in STI cases among older Americans highlights the need for increased sexual health education and open discussions about safe practices within this age group. Addressing the misconceptions and promoting condom use can help curb the growing trend of infections, particularly as older adults continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.
SOURCES
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/18/stds-seniors-sexually-transmitted-age