PSYC 290 Week 7 Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Elderly

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Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

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Date

Week 7 Assignment: Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Elderly

Recent findings suggest that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased among older adults. Several diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV, are commonly contracted due to unprotected sexual activity. This behavior, often stemming from the absence of abstinence, poses a significant risk to elderly populations. Various factors contribute to the elevated risk of STIs in this age group, including the loss of a spouse later in life, changes in sexual behavior due to aging, and an increase in risky activities. Recognizing the challenges associated with heightened STI risk is crucial in addressing this issue. Health professionals and counselors can play a key role by providing support, therapy, and guidance on healthy sexual practices. This research aims to examine the causes behind the rising STI rates among older adults and explore potential strategies to address the issue in the future.

Sexual Activity in Older Adults

Historically, society has held stigmas about older adults and sexuality. However, many older adults remain sexually active if they are in good health. A study involving over 3,000 individuals aged 57-85 found that many older adults continue to engage in sexual activity (Lindau et al., 2007). This reality increases the likelihood of contracting an STI, as sexual activity among the elderly population can expose individuals to greater risks. Various factors explain why older adults are more susceptible to STIs. Divorce rates among older adults have risen, and societal acceptance of having multiple romantic partners or dating at later stages of life is becoming more common. With the increasing popularity of online dating, elderly individuals are more likely to meet potential partners without knowing their sexual history or STI status. This raises the probability of exposure to infections. Many older adults may not consider themselves at risk for STIs due to their age, leading them to overlook preventive measures, such as using condoms or getting tested.

Lack of Awareness and Screening

Another misconception among older adults is that, because they can no longer become pregnant after menopause, they are safe from STIs. However, this false belief can lead to riskier sexual behaviors. According to Milly Evans (2019), older adults often misunderstand the role of condoms, seeing them only as a means to prevent pregnancy, rather than as a barrier against infections. This lack of awareness, combined with not recognizing the symptoms of STIs or knowing where to get tested, can delay diagnosis and treatment. Many elderly individuals may feel embarrassed to seek sexual health screenings, particularly because they might be the only older person in a clinic waiting room filled with younger patients. Additionally, healthcare providers may assume that elderly patients are not sexually active, leading to inadequate discussions about sexual health (Evans, 2019).

Solutions and Preventative Measures

The most well-known solution to the problem of STIs in the elderly is abstinence. However, for those who remain sexually active, using protection such as condoms is highly recommended. Regular screenings for STIs are essential, and healthcare providers can offer antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat infections (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019). It is crucial to foster open communication between healthcare providers and elderly patients to ensure that sexual health concerns are addressed appropriately.

Issue	Factors Contributing	Solutions
Sexual Activity in Older Adults	Loss of spouse, online dating, multiple partners	Encourage open discussions about sexual health, educate on STI risks, use protection
Lack of Awareness	Belief that menopause eliminates STI risk	Provide education on the role of condoms and STI prevention
Screening and Health Concerns	Embarrassment, assumptions by healthcare providers	Improve access to STI screenings, promote privacy and respect in healthcare settings

References

Evans, M. (2019, July 19). Why are STIs on the rise in older people? Retrieved from https://patient.info/news-and-features/why-are-stis-on-the-rise-in-older-people

Lindau, S. T., Schumm, L. P., Laumann, E. O., Levinson, W., O’Muircheartaigh, C. A., & Waite, L. J. (2007). A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(8), 762–774. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa067423