STDs rising fastest among those 50 and over
samsung1
Ohio
I have a question for you. No need to put on your thinking cap to answer it, just use your gut.
Ready, set, go: In the last 10 years, what group of Americans have seen STDs – sexually transmitted diseases – triple?
Think you've got your answer? The right answer is baby boomers and folks over 65. This group has had the greatest increase in STDs. I bet you guessed wrong.
Look at the numbers. In 2000, there were 5,500 cases of chlamydia, the most common STD. That number tripled to 16,000 last year. Gonorrhea and syphilis, same thing – tripled. And more than 15 percent of all new HIV infections were from people over 50.
STDs are booming in boomers.
And guess what medical breakthrough played a part in this epidemic. It wasn't the birth-control pill. I bet you guessed this one right: Viagra!
Viagra is not the whole story. We're living longer. We're healthier. It's socially acceptable to have a new relationship when you're older, and that relationship can include sex.
The fastest-growing demographic at online dating sites, such as eHarmony, is the “mature†adult. According to the New York Times, people 55 and older are visiting dating sites more than any other group – up 40 percent in the last three years. The No. 2 group is those 45 to 54.
I have many older patients who have divorced or lost a spouse and want to continue a vibrant lifestyle, which can include sex and intimacy. Love has no age barrier, and when you're older you have less time to waste.
Which brings me to the prejudice of “ageism.†Why is an older woman who dates a younger man not thought of as alluring? Why is an older man who dates a younger woman called “a dirty old man?â€
Where did this come from? Who made up these rules? Shouldn't older adults who want to enjoy sex be allowed to enjoy it without these snotty comments?
But boomers and seniors, if you're going to have sex, be responsible. I know you don't have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, but you do have to worry about an unwanted infection. It appears there are lots of “mature†adults who are just as dumb about STDs as teens. They have the same “it-can't-happen-to-me†mentality. A 60-year-old boomer should be just as responsible as their 18-year-old grandchild.
My spin: Sex is a natural part of life. It's not a dirty word. There is no age limit on sex or its sister, intimacy.
It may be hard to believe, but many older adults don't know about protection because they didn't have sex education when they were in school, and talking about sex is taboo for too many. Perhaps we need to have sex ed courses in senior centers. Considering these numbers, it's not a bad idea.
Final thought: Be responsible. Know your partner. Use protection. Wear your condom. Stay well!
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll…
Ready, set, go: In the last 10 years, what group of Americans have seen STDs – sexually transmitted diseases – triple?
Think you've got your answer? The right answer is baby boomers and folks over 65. This group has had the greatest increase in STDs. I bet you guessed wrong.
Look at the numbers. In 2000, there were 5,500 cases of chlamydia, the most common STD. That number tripled to 16,000 last year. Gonorrhea and syphilis, same thing – tripled. And more than 15 percent of all new HIV infections were from people over 50.
STDs are booming in boomers.
And guess what medical breakthrough played a part in this epidemic. It wasn't the birth-control pill. I bet you guessed this one right: Viagra!
Viagra is not the whole story. We're living longer. We're healthier. It's socially acceptable to have a new relationship when you're older, and that relationship can include sex.
The fastest-growing demographic at online dating sites, such as eHarmony, is the “mature†adult. According to the New York Times, people 55 and older are visiting dating sites more than any other group – up 40 percent in the last three years. The No. 2 group is those 45 to 54.
I have many older patients who have divorced or lost a spouse and want to continue a vibrant lifestyle, which can include sex and intimacy. Love has no age barrier, and when you're older you have less time to waste.
Which brings me to the prejudice of “ageism.†Why is an older woman who dates a younger man not thought of as alluring? Why is an older man who dates a younger woman called “a dirty old man?â€
Where did this come from? Who made up these rules? Shouldn't older adults who want to enjoy sex be allowed to enjoy it without these snotty comments?
But boomers and seniors, if you're going to have sex, be responsible. I know you don't have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, but you do have to worry about an unwanted infection. It appears there are lots of “mature†adults who are just as dumb about STDs as teens. They have the same “it-can't-happen-to-me†mentality. A 60-year-old boomer should be just as responsible as their 18-year-old grandchild.
My spin: Sex is a natural part of life. It's not a dirty word. There is no age limit on sex or its sister, intimacy.
It may be hard to believe, but many older adults don't know about protection because they didn't have sex education when they were in school, and talking about sex is taboo for too many. Perhaps we need to have sex ed courses in senior centers. Considering these numbers, it's not a bad idea.
Final thought: Be responsible. Know your partner. Use protection. Wear your condom. Stay well!
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll…
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43 comments
Along the lines of what shadow said.
And that's how boomers catch and spread STDs.
Bedpan
Walker
Polydent
Condoms
Those that truly believe that are hopelessly lost & deserve the consequences. Anyone with the most minimal degree of intelligence realizes it is "All About the $$$$$$$$$$"!!! The dancers in clubs aren't doing it for free. But if you know one who is giving it up in a club for free to all cummers - I want to know where she is!!! LOL
As they reach old age it's difficult to "reprogram" themselves to habitual condom use. And an older man will often have "ups and downs" during the session, rather than staying up all the way through -- potentially making the condom ineffective.
Or maybe I'm missing the point....
No because if you did that, you would be - RickyBoyDugan!
Yep, inventer of The System. Quite the job and life, it is true!
RickyBoy: "what spare time I do have is generally spent in clubs."
Ah "generally". I see. Just not on nights when both your favorites happen to be working. After all if you did go and talk to one it might offend the other. Got it!