How Are Older Adults Contributing to the Rise in STI Rates?

CDC Data Reveals Surprising Rise in STI Rates Among Older Adults

In a revealing snapshot of modern sexuality, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States shows a marked increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among a group often overlooked in discussions about sexual health: older adults. Specifically, individuals aged 55 and over have seen a dramatic rise in rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis over the last decade, spanning from 2012 to 2022.

The Surprising Statistics

According to the CDC’s findings, the number of syphilis cases among the 55-plus demographic increased sevenfold during the ten-year period under review. Gonorrhea cases nearly quintupled, and chlamydia cases more than tripled. Such figures challenge long-standing stereotypes about the sexuality of older adults and signal a growing public health concern that is not confined to the United States alone. For instance, England reported a 22% rise in STI diagnoses among individuals aged 45 and up from 2014 to 2019.

A Wake-Up Call for Medical Professionals and Society

Experts warn that both doctors and older adults themselves are often turning a blind eye to the real risks of STIs in this age group. Justyna Kowalska, Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw, emphasizes the lack of dialogue about sexual health for older individuals, pointing out, “We talk about smoking, we talk about diet, exercise, so many things, and not about sex at all.” This silence around the subject can leave many older adults uninformed about their risks and the importance of prevention.

Several factors contribute to the rising STI rates among this demographic. Advances in medical science, such as hormone replacement therapy and erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, have helped prolong sexual activity later in life. Additionally, a growing acceptance and use of dating apps, along with societal shifts like rising divorce rates and the popularity of retirement villages, are facilitating new relationships and, subsequently, sexual encounters among the older population.

The Challenges of Safe Sex Education for Older Adults

Matthew Lee Smith, an associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, notes that many older adults may not have received the type of sex education that is available to younger generations today. This gap in knowledge, combined with potential discomfort among medical professionals and patients in discussing sexual activity, can interfere with the crucial message of prevention and safe sex practices.

Furthermore, some older adults may be out of practice with condom use or believe it unnecessary, particularly since pregnancy is no longer a concern. The unique social environment of nursing homes, where sexual activity among residents can be common, also creates situations where STIs can easily spread. Smith highlights the dynamics of these communities, where a gender imbalance often leads to multiple and shared partnerships.

The Health Risks and Need for Better Communication

While STIs pose risks at any age, older individuals may face greater challenges in clearing infections due to a naturally weakening immune system. Certain physical changes, such as those affecting postmenopausal women, can also increase susceptibility to infections. Experts like Ethan Morgan, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, stress the importance of doctors engaging in open conversations with their older patients about sexual health and safe sex practices.

This recent surge in STI rates among older adults serves as a crucial reminder that sexual health is a lifelong concern. As society adapts to changing norms and medical advances extend active lifestyles into later years, the conversation around sex — and the risks it can carry — must evolve to include those who are often left out of the discussion. By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by the aging population, we can ensure a safer, healthier future for all individuals, regardless of age.