They include:
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Older adults may not have received as much sex education as is available today, which means some of them are unaware of the behavioral risks and symptoms of STDs. Since pregnancy is not an issue, they may not use protection.
Experts also noted that retirement and elderly care facilities are much more common than in the past and offer opportunities for sexual activity.
The fact that women usually outnumber men in these situations could lead to multiple partnerships among older heterosexuals and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, they said.
Matthew Lee Smith, an associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, said doctors need to do a better job of discussing safe sex with older patients.
“We want them to have a better life,” he said, “but we want them to live it safely.”
Related articles: NBC News, CSIRO
