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February 2nd, 2012
06:30 PM ET
Sexual activity and STD rate up among seniorsNew research published Thursday by the British Medical Journal shows that 80% of 50 to 90 years olds are sexually active. And with that, cases of sexually transmitted diseases have more than doubled in this age group over the past 10 years. “You never have to retire from sex,” says clinical psychologist Judy Kuriansky. “But you should always behave as the 20-30 year-olds do. You need to be cautious about it.” Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that incidences of syphilis and chlamydia in adults aged 45 to 64 have nearly tripled over the past decade. Cases of Gonorrhea are up as well.
“In general, I would say that older people are really enjoying their sexuality,” says Ian Kerner, sex therapist, CNNHealth.com contributor and founder of GoodInBed.com. “People can be sexual throughout their lives, until the day they die.” Researchers are quick to point out that there’s a huge lack of data on STDs in older populations. The authors of the BMJ editorial also note that older women are more vulnerable physiologically. “Post-menopausal changes to the vagina, such as thinning of the mucosa, narrowing and shortening of the vagina, and decreased lubrication leave women more vulnerable to minor genital injuries and microabrasions that facilitate the entry of pathogens,” they write. With age, as parents teach their kids, comes responsibility. So why are parents exposing themselves to these avoidable risks? “They just don’t think it can happen to them” says Kuriansky. “STIs (sexually transmitted infections) really started making news in the ’80s and ’90s. The fears and the warnings didn’t hit their generation.” They also didn’t expect to be sexual. “It’s the Jane Fondas of the world and men in their 80s like John Glenn, who divorced his wife and married a younger woman,” she says. Kerner is quick to point out that the 50+ age group is one of the fastest-growing demographics for online dating. “They wouldn’t even necessarily classify themselves as older,” he says. “It’s often the second time around for them. They’ve been married, have adult children, and they don’t have the same concerns or the same stressors that other people might face.” Interestingly, one study found that men aged 40+ who were taking drugs for erectile dysfunction were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with an STD in their first year of usage. However, that same study also found that those same men were significantly more likely to be diagnosed in the year prior to starting the medication. That suggests the drug doesn’t so much alter the risk-taking behavior, but rather facilitates it. Older men can be wary of condom use because it can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Women assume since they’re above child-bearing years that condoms are unnecessary. “Just as we spend a lot of time advising kids to practice safer sex, we need to do the same things for ourselves and our parents,” says Kerner. And perhaps even our grandparents. Experts purport more awareness from the media would go a long way. Kuriansky also suggests more questioning and counseling by physicians. “If you’re really going to do something about it,” she says, “you have to be tested for herpes and other viruses. Now, you have to request that. They’re not in routine blood tests. [They] should make it routine.”
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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If you are referring to John Glenn; former Astronaut and US Senator; he has been married to his wife since 1943. This has been his only marriage and they have never divorced. An apology to Mr. Glenn is in order.
They certainly do owe him an apology. Are the fact checkers on holiday?
Yeah, this casual slander of Glenn offended me too. Someone definitely owes Glenn an apology!
HEY CNN ... WAKE UP!
What did you do, go to the "who's dated who" website and see the picture of the young girl next to a picture of John Glenn? Note the name – it's Glenn's wife's maiden name (Anna Margaret Castor).
Maybe CNN should hire people older than 14 to do fact checking – someone who understands that "facts " on the 'net generally aren't.
And yes, CNN MUST issue a retraction. This is disgusting, and casts Glenn as a guy who chucked his morality to become an old stud... dumping his high school sweetheart after nearly 70 years of marriage for a sweet young thing.
Pathetic, CNN. Simply pathetic.
Exactly you really need to check your facts before stating that someone notable like John Glenn married a younger woman. He's been married to his h.s sweetheart since 1943.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Glenn
Anybody that old who doesn't yet know how to properly use a condom is a flukish exception to the rule of Darwinism.
Really? All Darwin's theory really cares about is whether or not you've been able to pass on your genetic material before you die, which can happen with or without contracting an STD. The flukish exceptions are really the people actively avoiding passing on genetic material who do so anyway (or who want to pass it on but can't).
You obviously have no concept of what Darwinism is. When smart people use condems, they are actually increasing the proportions of dumb people, which counteracts survival of the fittest. Senior citizens are not reproducing, again making this have nothing to do with Darwin.
Believe it or not it is the World War II and the Vietnam generation who refuse to use condoms. That is why their offspring are doing the same thing. Like Dad, like mom. Just take a trip down history lane and find out how many people had STD's during that time. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and Dad are not going to confess. Check the numbers for yourself. Go figure.
I like this article and i've experienced some issues. I'm 39 years old and i've become attracted to older men. The last guy i've dated is 52 years old and he was married for 25 years and has grown children, there were no issues there because he is now divorced. The problem is since he was married all those years he's not accustomed to wearing condoms so when we would try to have intercourse he would have a issue staying erect, with condom on. I like him a lot but i want to take precautions until we get really serious!!!
That's disgusting.
YUK – too much information!
You're having sex with him and that isn't serious already!? What part of this article didn't you understand?
You’re a good, understanding woman. There sure are some prudes on this board!
Please give Dr. Phil a call.
Lady, we couldn't care less.
Dawn, why are you doing your father? Does it have age spots?
Here's a High Five to you, Ms. Dawn. At least you're giving an older gent a chance. I'm a 57 year old guy, and these are lean times for guys in my age group. The really elderly ladies who like us aren't that interested in sex, and the younger ones aren't breaking down the door for a chance to get into bed with creepy old men with hair in their ears. You deserve a round of applause for making the world a happier place.
Sounds like there may be more to the erect issues than using a condom. If that really is the case (sounds like he really has some level of ED though), experiment with different brands and material types (e.g. non-latex super thin like crown or lifestyle). They've come a long way and have to say that I'm quite happy with how much better they feel after the 20+ years that I've been sexually active. Some of them I have to check to make sure that they are still on as it can feel so much like I'm not wearing one.
Pretty sure they mean Buzz Aldrin and not John Glenn.
Heh, you better be right because Buzz has a tendency to punch people out who annoy him.
Yeah, Buzz has been married 3 times – he's a hellraiser compared to JG. And if they meant Buzz, they should come forward and state that they messed up. In any case, they owe JG an apology. Other people will start citing this story as the source for their own misinnformation on JG, and that's just unfair to him.
And yes, Aldrin will punch them out.
At 64, I would like to do "it" every day!
Old news that said the same thing last summer. And the state in the US with the most VD is Florida!
I am 74 years old and still have sex 2-3 times a week one way or another. That's what keeps me alive and young. Viagra not needed yet.......
Yeah, right.....you have a San Francisco bridge for sale too?
If I was 70-90 years old, I wouldn't care about wearing a rubber. I care right now because I am 26. I don't want to live 60 years with an STD, but I'll live with one for 5-10 years lol
It isn't just about you! It's about the partners you have sex with, no matter how old you or they are.
26: yet another stupid, selfish spreader. Those sores on your yoyo are a big turn off and so is the yellow discharge. Nobody's going to blow you now. Wear a glove every time and that includes oral work.
And also keep in mind that you can contract Herpes and Syphilis from kissing too.
This statistic makes sense. The people who are seniors now were young people during the Hippie times. Free love and all that.
Actually it has more to do with the fact that they aren't as educated about it.
If you get an STD at 80, even HIV, who cares? What's it going to do? Shorten your life by 20 years?
Seniors don't get tested for HIV because nobody expects them to be banging. An aggressive strain of HIV that is undiagnosed and untreated kills healthy young people in 2-4 years in Africa. Geezers, with their other health problems, would drop even faster. Besides, HIV+ people can infect others in the community through contact with blood and other fluids, which is something seniors often experience with regular health problems. It isn't just about the geezer, it's about protecting everybody. Scott, you are a typically stupid man thining only about yourself.
I prefer to have sex with midgets.
Really .... 50 to 90 ?
What kind of demographic is that ?
40 years is just about half of a century .... most demographics are in the ten year range.
Idiot.
What kind of study uses an age group with a 40 year span? Seriously...
In the 15 to 100 year demographic many have active sex lives. Nice article.
The author is sadly mistaken if they think the generation that lived through the sexual revolution of the 60’s and 70’s are unaware of STDs.
if my husband dies 1st i will not be having sex ever again.
Way to go, Grandma!
I guess I don't have to worry about the STD problem. Married 45 yaers and my husband only had sex with me once, that was on our wedding night. I guess once was enough for him. He just refused to have sex. Retired now and I've forgotten about sex, the things I can't forget is the lonelyness, anger, depression and hate.
I thought I was the only one who had to live like that. I know what you mean about lonely, I told someone that being married and lonely is the worst lonely you can feel. I am religious and do not believe in cheating so I just was empty all the time. I divorced after 23 years when my kids got out of school, yes I had two children. My ex-husband told his uncle one night at a family dinner (the uncle was joking about sex) that we only had sex twice and I got pregnant both times. My heart goes out to you as most people think we are lying as they can not imagine living life celebate, it is not what I bargained for but what I got anyway and even after the divorce I am still celebate as I can not trust enough to have a relationship though I have tried.
How sad Amy! I hope someday you find love.
I'm not sure what just happened.
depressing! I'm 48, hubby 54 and we've been celibate for our entire 8+ yr marriage due to his health issues.
alot of it has to do with old foggies banging younger girls for a price.....meaning they pay 2 times...money first.
50 is not a senior citizen...lol.
Great! I just saw the news that SeniorsSinlgeDating.com is the best and most effective senior dating site for senior singles over 50! Many of our members are well-educated, successful, and fresh in mind.
What's all the wailing about?
You guys need to worry more about your woman's "shortening of the va***gi****na". Never heard or seen a kitchen sink pipe shortening. It could be plugged though!
twburr on February 8, 2011 The Best soluhd had a couple of sprit drinks before he started that normally works to wear off the nerves, to bad im a best man on 3rd april, and i dont know what to say LOL
Given the generally lower judgement abilities among persons both very young and very old, shall we put a lid on an upper age of consent as well as a lower? Maybe just switch the numbers around, top and bottom: 81 and 18. See how simple it is to solve problems?
Yuck. That's an image in my head that I wish wasn't there.
To the ones yucking, and ewwing, take note you become who we are. You will soon learn, if you lucky or blessed enough to become a senior citizen, to realize you don't just f===k anymore, you enjoy love making like never before
. Sixty+ and enjoying sex more than I ever did.
Studying to be a counselor, and this has come up in many of my classes! Older men are a especially hot commodity in the "senior" crowd – women live longer than men. Guys, if you make it to a very old age, rejoice! There will be no shortage of ladies.
Honestly, I found these facts a bit icky when I first heard them. Then I thought about it and figured, "Hey, I don't want to stop having sex, wrinkles be damned!"
NO THANKS!
We need more tips on Sex education on youth and adult. Or more and more people have to go to STD dating sites like PositiveSingle.org.
I don't have to worry about this stuff because I hadn't had sex with the old lady or any one else in 45 years.
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