Introduction
Traditionally, sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been seen as a concern for young and adult populations that are more sexually active. However, researchers note that in high-income countries, STIs are becoming more prevalent among people over 60 (Lyons et al., 2017). At the current time, a significant proportion of older people in the West already have progressive views on sex and even have experience using mobile dating apps. At the same time, the older generation is also at risk of becoming exposed to infections that could have a devastating impact on their health. This paper explores and analyzes older people’s awareness of the STI danger and safer sexual practices, and provides evidence that the older generation is at increased risk in this regard. It also suggests possible solutions to address the above issues.
Factors of Increased STI Risk
It should be mentioned that the prevalence of STIs among older persons is a problem that is becoming global. Currently, it is not only acute in Europe and the United States, but also affects countries such as Brazil, Australia and Canada (Lyons et al., 2017; Malaquias et al., 2017; Spring, 2015). There are specific factors that put older individuals at greater risk in this regard. It is primarily due to the fact that the older generation is becoming more sexually active. In a study involving 1,652 respondents over the age of 60, more than 75 percent of men and women reported they had had a sexual experience in the past five years (Lyons et al., 2017). Another study also reveals a demographic characteristic, according to which out of 457 surveyed elders, more than 55 percent of women and only about 7 percent of men had inactive sex life (Malaquias et al., 2017). Thus, the proportion of older people engaged in sexual activity is quite high.
Lack of awareness of the characteristics of these infections and the necessary precautions remain significant risk factors. Research generally indicates that elders are aware of the STI danger and the mechanism of infection transmission (Lyons et al., 2017; Malaquias et al., 2017). At the same time, they are demonstrated to have a limited understanding of specific STIs. The most significant concern is the very high percentage of respondents who are unaware of the protection afforded by sexual protection measures (Lyons et al., 2017). Moreover, according to a study, over 85 percent of female elders and 50 percent of male elders reported never using a condom during their sexual activity (Malaquias et al., 2017). It should be noted that this high percentage demonstrates that people who know about the danger of getting infected still choose unsafe sex. Researchers state that older women engaging in sexual intercourse may be “at a greater risk of developing STIs because they lack sufficient awareness about safer sex or are unable to assert themselves in the relationship” (Spring, 2015, p. 6). Thus, not only ignorance but also hesitation can lead to adverse health outcomes.
In addition to the high levels of sexual activity and non-use of protection measures by older persons, the characteristics of infection are also an increased risk factor. According to Lyons et al. (2017), STI risk does not “decrease with age,” and “STIs could be present without obvious symptoms” (p. 260). Moreover, STIs, including HIV/AIDS, can be much more dangerous for older persons than for their young counterparts (Malaquias et al., 2017). Thus, the factor of sexual activity that is common to all population groups is complemented by the factor of increased health risk and the factor of condom non-use by the older generation.
Recommendations for Action
Primarily, informing is associated with the prevention of STIs among older people. According to Smith and Angarone (2015), it “begins with recognizing the risk behaviors of individual patients and counseling on changing these behaviors to prevent the acquisition of STIs” (p. 508). This counseling will be particularly effective in institutions and hospitals frequently visited by older people. The main objective of these measures is to demonstrate more clearly the consequences of dangerous behavior on the health of the individual and his or her partner, even if they are prone to disregard them. Given that older people are less likely to use condoms, it makes sense to distribute them free of charge, for example, at STIs treatment centers.
Preliminary medical examinations and early treatment are also important objectives. Researchers note that “partner notification and treatment is an effective tool in identifying cases of STI,” and “treatment of sexual partners reduces the rate at which the index case becomes reinfected” (Smith & Angarone, 2015, p. 516). Therefore, appropriate healthcare facilities can provide older people and their partners with the opportunity to be tested for STI as part of social programs. Another possible measure is to include a regular STI test in health insurance. Particular emphasis should be placed on developing a culture of partner notification and testing, as this is the most effective way to break the chain of infection.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that the older generation is now becoming more sexually active and, at the same time, is not inclined to use sexual protection means. Given this and the fact that STIs can develop without noticeable symptoms, and some of these diseases are particularly devastating for the health of older people, they are at high risk. Adequate and mass informing about the consequences of STI, as well as about the need for regular testing, can reduce the risk of infection. Opportunities for testing and obtaining sexual protection measures should be made available to elders.
References
Lyons, A., Heywood, W., Fileborn, B., Minichiello, V., Barrett, C., Brown, G., Hinchliff, S., Malta, S., & Crameri, P. (2017). Sexually active older Australian’s knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and safer sexual practices. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 41(3), 259-261.
Malaquias, B. S. S., Nardelli, G. G., Azevedo, N. F., Ledic, C. S., Gaudenci, E. M., & da Silva Santos, Á. (2017). Sexuality and knowledge about hiv/aids in elders who participate in a social center for the elderly. Bioscience Journal, 33(2), 465-475.
Smith, L., & Angarone, M. P. (2015). Sexually transmitted infections. Urologic Clinics, 42(4), 507-518.
Spring, L. (2015). Older women and sexuality–are we still just talking lube? Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 30(1), 4-9.