Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often perceived as a problem for younger populations, but recent trends reveal a worrying rise in STI cases among older adults globally. At the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024), experts will highlight this often-overlooked issue and advocate for more open discussions about the sexual health needs of those over 50.
The Growing Issue of STIs in Older Adults
Contrary to common belief, sexual activity does not diminish significantly with age. Preventive medicine and improved lifestyles mean that many people continue to enjoy active sex lives well into their senior years. However, this has led to an increase in STIs among older adults, a trend that is not confined to one region but observed worldwide.
Key Statistics
US and UK: The US and the UK have seen particularly high surges in STI cases among older adults. For instance, rates of gonorrhea among individuals aged 55 to 64 increased fivefold from 2015 to 2019. Similar trends have been observed for syphilis and chlamydia.
Global Perspective: Countries such as Kenya, China, Korea, and Botswana have also reported higher rates of STIs among their older populations.
Contributing Factors
Widowhood and New Relationships: Recent widowhood can increase the risk of STIs, particularly among men, as they may enter new sexual relationships without adequate STI prevention measures.
Viagra and Similar Medications: The introduction of erectile dysfunction medications has enabled many older men to maintain active sex lives, inadvertently increasing their risk of contracting STIs.
Lack of Awareness and Stigma: Older adults often have limited access to sexual health services and face stigma and embarrassment when seeking help for sexual health issues.
The Importance of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Professor Justyna Kowalska, an infectious disease expert from the Medical University of Warsaw, emphasizes the need for targeted sexual health education for older adults. Health promotion messages must include older demographics to effectively tackle the rising STI rates. Educational campaigns should focus on:
- Safe Sex Practices: Promoting the use of condoms and regular STI testing among older adults.
- Reducing Stigma: Normalizing conversations about sexual health in older age groups to encourage more people to seek help.
- Accessibility of Services: Ensuring that sexual health services are readily available and accessible to the elderly.
Dating Apps: A Modern Tool for Sexual Health Promotion
Dating apps are emerging as important platforms for public health messaging, particularly regarding sexual health. Harvard Public Health magazine in 2023 suggested that dating apps could become a key component in STI prevention. This prediction is materializing as apps like Grindr partner with health organizations to provide users with HIV test kits and other sexual health resources.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
While dating apps hold promise for public health, they also present significant ethical challenges. Privacy concerns are paramount, as these apps collect vast amounts of personal data. Instances of data mishandling, such as Grindr sharing sensitive user data with third parties, highlight the need for stringent privacy policies.
Moreover, dating apps must address issues of discrimination and harassment that are prevalent on their platforms. Ensuring that marginalized groups feel safe and respected is crucial for the effective dissemination of public health information.
Sexual health
The rising rates of STIs among older adults underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual health that includes all age groups. By leveraging modern tools like dating apps and promoting open discussions about sexual health, we can better address this public health challenge. As Professor Kowalska aptly states, “Older people have a right to good sexual health. Let’s normalize conversations around sex and older people and change the narrative on ageing.”
For further reading on the impact of dating apps on public health, refer to the recent systematic review by Building Healthy Online Communities and insights from the Harvard Public Health magazine .
