Due to various lifestyle factors, rates of sexually transmitted infections have risen sharply among older populations in the past decade, says Chatham-Kent’s acting medical officer of health.
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Dr. Shanker Nesathurai discussed the trend as part of his verbal report to board of health members at a recent meeting.
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“Clearly, STIs are most common among adolescents, young adults and middle-aged individuals,” he said. “But one thing that’s not always acknowledged is that sexually transmitted infections also occur in their sixth and seventh decades of life.”
Reviewing provincial data, Nesathurai said three of the most common STIs are gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.
In 2022, there were approximately 300 cases of gonorrhea in Ontario in people over the age of 60. In 2013, there were only 60 cases.
A total of 220 cases of syphilis were reported in 2022 in that age group, compared to 40 in 2013.
For chlamydia, approximately 400 cases were reported in 2022 for those over 60, with 150 in 2013.
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Nesathurai said increased testing could have played a role in the higher numbers, but believes a fulsome look shows that STIs are “on the uptake” in that age group.
“There are many reasons for this. And many of them are cultural,” he said. “Older adults, like all people, are getting divorced and widowed, and they’re initiating new sexual relationships.
“Many older adults today came of age in the 1960s and 70s, where there were different sexual mores.”
Given the prevalence of medications to enhance sexual function, more people have been active in that regard, Nesathurai said, adding that preventing pregnancy at that age is also less of an issue.
“People are less likely to use barrier contraception,” he said.
Nesathurai said many people are sexually active in retirement homes and long-term care facilities.
He wanted the public to know that education and resources are available for everyone.
“It’s important to note that the public health service provides services to people throughout the spectrum of life,” he said. “(It’s) something that we can all be proud of.”
For more information on sexual healthvisit https://ckphu.com/health-topics/sex-sexuality/
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