Introduction
People of advanced age are still sexually active, and several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), encompassing HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea, have been documented in the elderly population. Normal sexual changes associated with aging (such as greater time to obtain an erection), psychosocial changes (for example, loss of spouse and dating again), and hazardous sexual habits, including the rare use of condoms, raise the likelihood of STIs in the elderly. Persons of any age should get STI screening in line with medical norms (Santrock, 2018). Healthcare practitioners can employ evaluation guides and interventions, including psychotherapy and education, to lower STI risk in older persons.
Social Changes
The dating landscape has evolved significantly, which may contribute to increased sexually transmitted infections among the elderly. Technology advancements, such as those that make it possible to create niche online dating communities for people over 60, have made it more acceptable for seniors to try dating again. There has been a recent uptick in the number of senior citizens actively seeking out love partners (Smith et al., 2020). This is likely attributable to people losing their spouses as they get older. The reluctance of both patients and doctors to bring up the subject during appointments is another societal factor contributing to the STI increase. It is important to combat the stereotype that older people do not engage in sexual activity to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Results of Aging
Older persons’ susceptibility to illness, especially STIs, increases with age because their immune systems weaken. A weakened immune system makes it difficult for the elderly to fend against illnesses (Santrock, 2018). An increased risk of complications from STIs exists in older adults. For instance, untreated syphilis can cause cognitive decline and heart difficulties. Some doctors may brush off STI symptoms, including weakness and exhaustion, as normal signs of aging.
Medical Advancement
Medications have allowed seniors to engage in sexual activity, increasing the risk of a preexisting STI spreading. These developments include pharmaceuticals and dietary aids that may increase sexual activity among the older persons population (Kandpal et al., 2022). They can have sex at a later age than earlier generations, attributable to drugs like sildenafil (Viagra). Cialis and similar drugs are available to help men with erectile dysfunction, a disease in which they cannot get and maintain an erection.
Solutions That Could Be Implemented
To slow the spread of STIs, it may help to apply a few easy but effective measures. Government and healthcare organizations, as well as the media, need to work together to dispel the myth that people of a certain age are sexually inactive. Commercials and classes in retirement communities are two good places to start. Additionally, doctors and nurses can be more proactive in inquiring about sexual activity among elderly patients (Smith et al., 2020). Psychologists and other healthcare providers owe it to their patients and the community to counsel and encourage physically active seniors to be checked (Kandpal et al., 2022). Simple booklets explaining the history of STIs and the benefits of using condoms and other methods of safe sexual behavior should also be made available.
Conclusion
Numerous STIs, such as gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and Chlamydia, have been documented in the elderly population, indicating that sexual activity continues into old age. Health professionals can reduce the likelihood of STIs in the elderly by using evaluation guides and interventions such as psychotherapy and education. Attributable to the Internet, seniors no longer feel out of place dating. Media, government, and healthcare institutions should collaborate to dispel the widespread misconception that people over a certain age are sexually inactive. Psychotherapists and other medical professionals are responsible to their patients and the public for advising and motivating seniors to get regular medical checkups. In addition to condoms and other methods of sexually safe behavior, brief pamphlets explaining the background of STIs and the benefits of using them should be provided to elderly persons.
References
Kandpal, R., Viswanath, H. K., Phulari, Y. S., Kumar, M., Hiremath, R. N., Patil, C., Sumathi, A., Binakka, P., & Sarkar, T. (2022). Sexual behavior and increasing vulnerability of elderly population to sexually transmitted infections: Need for active interventions. Journal of Marine Medical Society, 24(3), 79-82. Web.
Santrock, J. (2018). Life-span development (17th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Smith, M. L., Bergeron, C. D., Goltz, H. H., Coffey, T., & Boolani, A. (2020). Sexually transmitted infection knowledge among older adults: Psychometrics and test–retest reliability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7), 1-10. Web.