You might that sexually transmitted infections are only found in young people, but you might be surprised to learn that levels of such infections are on the rise in seniors too. Both chlamydia and syphilis are on the increase, which is something that caregivers for the elderly find difficult to understand. Here are some ways this rise can be explained:
Many residents of care homes and retirement villages are actually much more sexually active than you would think. Many more single seniors are choosing to travel on singles holidays and cruises. The use of pills for erectile dysfunction and post-menopausal women with no pregnancy concerns, add up to the potential for a considerable amount of unprotected sex. With unprotected sex, no matter what age you are, comes the risk of STIs. Professionals in the elderly care sector are now more openly discussing ways to help deal with the problem and provide better protection for their residents.
Another factor is that as there are more older women than men, women are more likely to engage in riskier sexual practices to keep their partner interested. With many older people becoming more acquainted with technology and the internet, more and more are using online dating the same as any other adult. As with anyone using online dating, your partner will be unfamiliar to you as well as their sexual history. If you’re concerned about an older friend or relative, consider using Chlamydia Testing kits London. Visit greenwichsexualhealth for a chlamydia testing kit
Many of the people reaching the senior are from the ‘Baby Boomers’ generation and came of age during the sexual revolution of the sixties and seventies. As the twilight years approach, they might now be reverting back to the risky sexual behaviour of their youth.
Safe sex became a much-talked about topic of education after many of these older people were already married. A lot of the information might never have been learned or even considered not applicable to their generation. They also might be unaware that as they age, their immune system weakens so they become more susceptible to contracting any infection, including STIs.
Due to embarrassment or the social stigma surrounding such infections when they were in their youth, older people might not feel comfortable talking about sexual matters with their doctor or care team. This can result in STIs going undetected for longer and the potential to spread further. It is also not something a doctor might think to screen for in the older generation.
The way to combat these problems is for seniors to receive the same safe sex education as young people. This will help them recognise symptoms, how STIs can affect existing conditions and how to use condoms. Doctors need to routinely ask seniors about their sexual activity as they would with teens and younger adults. Free condoms could be distributed at retirement villages and care homes or other places where older people get together.