Having gone through two marriages – one that lasted 24 years and another for two – the resident of the Cleveland area in her fifties was unsure where to begin in her search for a partner.

She attempted to seek guidance from a dating coach but quickly realized there were no coaches under 50 who could relate to the challenges of dating at her age. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, as she had done with her sister, she chose to adopt a new perspective.

“Dating in your 20s was about marriage, kids, and building your life,” Copeland reflected, now at 68. “Today, it’s all about enjoyment and fun.”

However, the risks for single adults over 50 have shifted from what they faced decades ago. This lesson has become crucial for Copeland and others, as studies reveal an alarming increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older adults, rising at a faster pace than in other age groups.

Experts attribute the rising STI rates among older adults to various modern conveniences. Thanks to medical advancements, older individuals are living longer and remaining sexually active. They are often residing in senior communities and may have multiple partners, yet they generally lack knowledge about preventive measures like condoms and regular STI testing.

A major concern is the lack of sexual education among this age group. Additionally, many people, regardless of age, feel awkward discussing sex — a particular challenge for older Americans — which inhibits the dissemination of vital information about sexual health.

“There are multiple factors at play here,” stated Janie Steckenrider, an associate professor at Loyola Marymount University who studies gerontology, aging, and sexuality. “We need to normalize the fact that older adults are sexually active and that interest in sex doesn’t fade with age.”

STI rates among boomers on the rise

While younger individuals report more STI cases, what’s concerning is the speed at which STIs are increasing among those aged 55 and older.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia cases among this age group more than tripled from 2012 to 2022, jumping from 6,084 to 19,776 cases. During the same period, gonorrhea cases quadrupled, and syphilis cases surged sevenfold.

Steckenrider remarked that the rise since 2012 has been “astonishing.”

While these STIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics, they can lead to severe complications if untreated, particularly for older adults who may have existing health issues that could worsen due to an infection, explained Dr. Angelina Gangestad, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.

In women, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, resulting in long-term pelvic pain, as noted by the World Health Organization. Men who don’t receive treatment for chlamydia may also suffer from painful infections and swollen joints.

Syphilis can affect any organ system and may lead to serious damage to the heart, brain, nerves, and eyes, according to experts from the Cleveland Clinic.

Dating behaviors increasing STI risks

Health experts indicate that the significant rise in STIs among older individuals is, at least in part, due to their longer, healthier lives.

Many seniors are remaining sexually active for extended periods, aided by erectile dysfunction treatments and hormonal therapies for menopausal symptoms. According to AARP, two-thirds of older adults express interest in sex.

“When elderly individuals are in better physical health, they tend to be more sexually active and can engage in intimacy more effectively,” said Gangestad from University Hospitals in Ohio.

Furthermore, increasing numbers of older adults prefer to live in senior communities instead of at home or with relatives, leading to more social interactions and opportunities for intimate encounters, Steckenrider noted.

There are currently over 800,000 individuals residing in assisted living facilities in the U.S., while approximately 1.5 million people live in nursing homes, according to the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living.

Older adults face fewer dating options compared to younger singles.

Around 30% of U.S. adults over 50 are single, typically due to the loss of a partner or divorce, based on data from the Pew Research Center from 2022, compared to 47% of adults under 30.

On average, women outlive men by six years, according to statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics. While studies indicate that men across all age groups generally have more romantic partners than women, this trend appears to be even more noticeable among older men, given the smaller male population in the dating arena.

Seniors are increasingly meeting potential partners through dating apps, where individuals may be unaware of each other’s sexual histories, and the casual nature of such platforms can lead to multiple relationships.

According to Steckenrider, “This is a generation that matured in the 1960s and 70s during a time of sexual liberation,” which questioned traditional marriage and typical sexual norms. They have carried this mindset about sex and open relationships into their older years but often forget to include the importance of safe sex, which was emphasized to younger generations.

The Connection Between Sex Education and Stigma

Experts suggest that having numerous partners or engaging in casual sex poses less risk if older adults utilize protective measures against STIs, but the reality is many do not.

While this demographic grew up during the era of “free love,” comprehensive education about sexually transmitted infections was not part of their school curriculum until the 1980s, as noted by Planned Parenthood.

Gangestad from University Hospitals in Ohio mentioned that teens of that time received instruction on preventing pregnancies, but the focus on STIs was neglected. “This means that individuals in this age group, no longer worried about pregnancy, may not consider condom use in the same light.”

By the time HIV emerged as a major public health issue in the 1980s, many older adults were already in committed relationships and raising families, according to Steckenrider. At that point, STIs were not on their radar, and they haven’t changed their mindset since.

“Many seniors experience a disconnect. They do not perceive themselves as being at risk,” stated Fred Wyand, a sexual health specialist and communications director at the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA).

Experts emphasize that regular screenings and testing can help prevent the spread of STIs; however, healthcare providers are often less proactive in offering tests for older adults when compared to younger patients.

Symptoms of STIs may not be apparent in older patients, or symptoms may resemble those caused by other medications or conditions, which can lead providers not to consider STI testing as necessary.

Doctors often “assume that older adults are not sexually active, leading them to overlook discussions regarding sexual health,” noted Steckenrider. “Unless the older adult initiates the discussion with their healthcare provider, the topic remains untouched.”

Strategies to Change the Trend

Experts agree that enhancing awareness and education is crucial to reversing the rising rate of STIs among older adults.

Healthcare professionals should feel comfortable discussing sexual health topics, and older patients must know the right questions to ask.

“There is discomfort on both sides,” Wyand mentioned. It can be challenging for older individuals to speak about these issues with much younger healthcare providers.

To facilitate these discussions, organizations are providing ten essential questions for patients to ask their healthcare providers during wellness visits, such as, “Where can I get tested?” and “How often should I undergo testing?”

Sex health authorities recommend that materials concerning sex and STIs should be distributed in senior living communities, senior centers, libraries, hospitals, and other venues frequented by older adults.

Promoting information about testing is equally important, according to experts. ASHA has teamed up with Everly Health for a National Get Tested Day on September 30, offering 250 free at-home testing kits (usually priced at $69 each) for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

“The stigma surrounding these topics is a significant barrier. Talking about anything related to S-E-X can be difficult,” Wyand pointed out.

However, dating after the age of 50 does not have to be awkward. Copeland, who resumed dating in 2010, reflects positively on her experiences. In fact, it can be enjoyable.

After rediscovering happiness in her romantic life, she established the website FindAQualityMan.com in 2012 to assist other women over 50 in navigating the challenges of dating. She always encourages her clients to have candid discussions about safe sex with their partners and to use condoms and lubricants.

“I want people to feel empowered, but they should prioritize their safety,” said Copeland. “It’s perfectly natural to pursue personal desires.”