Older generation now at risk from STD’s

A recent increase in Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection (STD/I) in senior citizens is thought to be because of an increase in the number of older people now using online dating websites. Many older people are now using the dating websites than before because of midlife divorces. They are entering into relationships unaware or the consequences. Some of the blame is issued at the development of drugs to combat sexual dysfunction and a lack of education among the older generation.

These people grew up in a time when there weren’t really many STD/STI’s and the worse that could happen through having unprotected sex was they would become pregnant, however due to their age pregnancy is no longer a concern so they don’t think there is a need to use protection. Adding to that many old people won’t talk to their doctors about sexual activity because they feel uncomfortable and therefore are not aware of the new risks.

Increased use of online dating websites also means that rather than just sticking to one partner they are meeting more thus as in young people causing an increase in STD/STI’s with multiple partners, unfortunately they are less likely to be tested for and diseases.

Picture courtesy of Ed Yourdon

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