In the last ten years, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases hitting those over the age of 50 has doubled, CBSnews.com reported. The CDC said that 900 cases of syphilis in 2000 were reported for the age group of 45 - 65 years of age.
As of 2010 things have spiraled upward with reports of 2,550 cases of syphilis were reported for this group. Chlamydia numbers rose from 6,700 to 19,600.
Puzzled?
When you think about these folks being 50 and older, you may have the common automatic reaction, that these people are probably not sexually active with multiple partners because ... well, because they're old.
But the older you get, the more you'll find this stereotype is off the mark, and ill-informed.
And remember. A good portion of these people are Baby Boomers.
Here again, we want to avoid jumping to stereotype. Of course, not all Baby Boomers are out having sex with multiple partners, but some of them are.
And those of you who are old enough that your memory will stretch back this far, don't forget that the Baby Boomers played a part in a little thing called the Sexual Revolution in the 60s.
Some Baby Boomers, and older seniors, will not be physically able to be sexually active, and some may not care to. Some are sexually active, but stay within monogamous parameters.
But those that are able, interested and not committed to one partner, are probably just being themselves, older or not.
Unlike later generations, the Baby Boomers' heyday was before STDs became acknowldeged as a big problem. Condom use was to prevent pregnancy, and condoms may still be seen that way in the minds of many older folk.
So it is a matter of teaching old dogs new tricks, in some cases. Most Baby Boomers, and certainly older seniors, are past the age of child-bearing so condoms are not on some of their minds. But they should be.
A factor for this bunch of old folks that was not a factor in generations past, is the advent of pills for erectile dysfunction. Now, couples who are interested in sex have a much better chance of being able as well. More sex can lead to more cases of STDs.
Webmd.com also cited the drugs for erectile dysfunction, along with the inadequate use of condoms, as possible factors in the increased cases of sexually transmitted diseases.
Sources:
Sexually transmitted disease rates rise among elderly: Why?
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57371893-10391704/sexually-transm...
Sex and the Elderly: STD Risk Often Ignored
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20120202/sex-and-elderly-std-ris...
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