STI epidemiology in the global older population: Emerging

AbstractThis paper reviews the evidence concerning the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a particular focus on older people. Evidence from North America, Australia, China and Korea clearly shows increasing rates of many STIs in the population group aged 50 years and older. Similar changes are identified in three studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a significant lack of detailed epidemiological data from Asia-Pacific and many African countries. There is also a lack of health education and health programmes directed towards older people. It is likely that sexual ageism is the dynamic that underpins this lack of focus and resources for older people. IntroductIon It is quite common to find that when we combine the phrases ‘sex’, ‘older people’ and ‘risk for STI or HIV infections’ there is a reaction of surprise, disbelief, unease and embarrassment. Is it because society believes that older people do not have sex, do not have sexual desires and fantasies, and therefore they cannot be at risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Research has confirmed what older people have long known but have not traditionally talked about or fought for recognition: age typically does not eliminate or diminish the need and desire for sex. A recent study in the USA shows that while sexual activity does decline with advancing age, almost three quarters (73%) of respondents aged 57–64 were sexually active. In the 65–74 age group, more than half (53%) were still having sex, and in the 75–85 age group, more than a quarter (26%) were having sex.