If you thought your parents and grandparents aren’t having sex, think again.
Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are growing faster among older Australians than among younger people, according to the University of Melbourne – highlighting the need for better information around the risk.
In recent years, the rates of STIs among older age groups has been heading up in a number of countries – and Australia is one of them.
Between 2000 and 2018, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis all grew among Australian women aged 55 to 74 – and at faster rates than among younger women.
The researchers can’t pinpoint one cause behind the increase, but say that the rise in dating and casual sex among older cohorts; low rates of condom use because of limited STI knowledge; and the irrelevancy of pregnancy prevention after menopause are all contributing factors.
Older Australians not covered in sexual health policy
But with older adults not targeted in sexual health campaigns, they say it’s harder to educate people on the risks.
GPs are less likely to bring up STIs and the need for testing during visits unless the patient’s presenting complaint is related to an STI symptom.
As many STIs are asymptomatic, it’s likely a number of cases are being missed.
While the researchers say older adults don’t need information about ‘the birds and the bees’, it’s clear there needs to be more sexual health information resources targeted to older Australians.
They are currently looking at the sexual health priorities of older adults and what the kinds of resources that would best suit this cohort.
If you’re aged over 60 and interested in completing their survey, you can find it here.
