STI in the Elderly

Posted: August 17th, 2022

Psy290 Life Span Development WK 7:
STI in the Elderly: A Growing Public Health Concern

Late adulthood, typically defined as the period from age 60 onwards, brings significant physical, psychological, and social changes (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). Many individuals in this life stage remain sexually active, contributing to a concerning trend: rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the elderly population. An examination of increased STI rates in older adults reveals key reasons why individuals over 60 face higher risks of contracting STIs compared to younger age groups. Proposing potential solutions to address this growing public health issue can guide healthcare providers and policymakers towards improving sexual health outcomes for older adults.

STI in the Elderly Phenomenon

Recent studies highlight a significant increase in STI rates among older adults, challenging long-held assumptions about sexual health concerns primarily affecting younger populations. Fu et al. (2024) conducted a comprehensive analysis of global STI burden trends from 1990 to 2019, focusing on adults aged 60-89 years. Their findings revealed a substantial increase in STI prevalence among this age group, with notable variations across regions and specific infections.

STI infection rates in the elderly population vary based on several factors, including gender, marital status, cultural background, and living environment. Lameky (2024) found that older men were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and had higher rates of STI diagnosis compared to older women. Widowed or divorced individuals living in retirement communities or assisted living facilities showed increased vulnerability to STIs, possibly due to new opportunities for sexual encounters and a reduced perception of risk (Elendu et al., 2024).

Cultural and ethnic differences also play a role in STI prevalence among older adults. Co et al. (2023) observed that certain minority groups exhibited higher STI rates, which may be attributed to disparities in healthcare access, cultural attitudes towards sexuality in later life, and varying levels of sexual health education. Three primary reasons for high rates of STI in the elderly population are: lack of awareness and education, decreased condom use, and physiological changes associated with aging.

Lack of Awareness and Education

Insufficient awareness and education regarding sexual health in later life significantly contribute to high STI rates in the elderly population. Many older adults grew up in an era where sexual education was limited or non-existent, particularly concerning STIs (Van Epps et al., 2023). Knowledge gaps extend to healthcare providers, who may not routinely discuss sexual health with older patients or consider STI testing as part of their standard care.

Absence of targeted sexual health education for older adults contributes to misconceptions about STI risks and transmission. Smith et al. (2020) found that many older adults had limited knowledge about STIs, their symptoms, and prevention methods. Lack of awareness can lead to a false sense of security, with older individuals believing they are not at risk for STIs due to their age or relationship status. Consequently, they may engage in unprotected sexual activities without fully understanding the potential consequences.

Societal stigma surrounding sexuality in later life often discourages open discussions about sexual health among older adults, their peers, and healthcare providers. Communication barriers further exacerbate the lack of awareness and education, leaving many older adults ill-equipped to protect themselves from STIs or recognize symptoms when they occur (Lameky, 2024).

Decreased Condom Use

Reduced condom use during sexual activity significantly contributes to increased STI rates in the elderly population. Several factors account for this trend, including physical challenges, reduced perception of risk, and generational attitudes towards contraception.

Physiological changes associated with aging can make condom use more challenging for older adults. Erectile dysfunction or reduced sensation may discourage condom use or lead to improper application in men (Fu et al., 2024). Women may experience vaginal dryness, making condom use uncomfortable without additional lubrication. Physical barriers can result in inconsistent or incorrect condom use, reducing their effectiveness in preventing STI transmission.

Many older adults have a reduced perception of STI risk, particularly those in long-term relationships or who are no longer concerned about pregnancy prevention. Elendu et al. (2024) found that older adults often view condoms primarily as a means of contraception rather than STI prevention. Misconceptions, coupled with the belief that STIs primarily affect younger populations, lead to a decreased likelihood of condom use among older individuals.

Generational attitudes towards contraception also play a role in reduced condom use among the elderly. Many older adults came of age before the widespread availability and acceptance of condoms as a means of STI prevention. As a result, they may be less comfortable discussing or using condoms with new sexual partners (Van Epps et al., 2023).

Physiological Changes Associated with Aging

Physiological changes that occur with aging relate to increased STI vulnerability in the elderly population. These changes can affect both the body’s susceptibility to infections and the ability to recognize and respond to symptoms.

Aging naturally weakens the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. Decline in immune function can make older adults more susceptible to various infections, including STIs (Co et al., 2023). Reduced ability to mount an effective immune response against pathogens potentially leads to more severe or prolonged infections.

Age-related changes in genital tissues can increase the risk of STI transmission. Postmenopausal changes in women, such as thinning of the vaginal walls and decreased lubrication, can lead to micro-tears during intercourse, creating potential entry points for pathogens (Lameky, 2024). Similarly, age-related changes in the prostate and urinary tract can increase susceptibility to certain STIs in men.

Potential masking of STI symptoms due to age-related health conditions presents another important factor. Many STI symptoms, such as genital discomfort or unusual discharge, may be mistakenly attributed to other age-related issues or overlooked entirely. Delayed symptom recognition and treatment can lead to prolonged periods of infectivity and increased transmission rates (Smith et al., 2020).

Solutions

Addressing rising rates of STIs in the elderly population requires a multifaceted approach combining education, healthcare interventions, and societal changes. Two potential solutions to quell this problem are:

Targeted Sexual Health Education Programs for Older Adults

Developing and implementing comprehensive sexual health education programs specifically tailored to older adults is crucial in addressing the STI epidemic in this population. These programs should focus on:

a) Raising awareness about STI risks and transmission methods in later life

b) Providing accurate information about STI symptoms, testing, and treatment options

c) Promoting safe sex practices, including proper condom use and negotiation skills

d) Addressing misconceptions and stigma surrounding sexuality in older adulthood

Educational initiatives can be delivered through various channels, including community centers, healthcare facilities, and online platforms. Collaborating with organizations that serve older adults, such as AARP or local senior centers, can help ensure widespread dissemination of information.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in this educational effort. Training programs should equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and skills necessary to discuss sexual health with older patients comfortably and effectively. Incorporating routine sexual health assessments and STI screenings into regular check-ups for older adults is essential (Van Epps et al., 2023).

Improving Access to STI Testing and Treatment Services

Enhancing access to STI testing and treatment services for older adults is essential in curbing the spread of infections and improving overall sexual health outcomes. This solution involves several components:

a) Increasing availability of STI testing services in healthcare settings frequented by older adults, such as primary care offices and geriatric clinics

b) Developing age-appropriate screening protocols that consider unique needs and risk factors of older adults

c) Ensuring confidentiality and privacy in testing and treatment services to reduce stigma and encourage utilization

d) Providing affordable or subsidized testing and treatment options to address potential financial barriers

Integrating STI prevention and treatment services with other healthcare services commonly accessed by older adults can improve uptake and continuity of care. Offering STI screenings alongside routine health screenings or incorporating sexual health discussions into chronic disease management appointments can normalize these conversations and increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment (Fu et al., 2024).

Summary and Conclusion

Rising prevalence of STIs among older adults represents a significant public health concern requiring immediate attention. Exploration of three key factors contributing to this trend – lack of awareness and education, decreased condom use, and physiological changes associated with aging – provides insights for developing targeted interventions addressing unique needs of the elderly population.

Implementation of comprehensive sexual health education programs for older adults and improved access to STI testing and treatment services are crucial steps in combating this issue. These solutions aim to empower older adults with knowledge and resources necessary to maintain sexual health and reduce STI transmission rates. As the global population continues to age, prioritizing sexual health in later life becomes increasingly important for ensuring overall well-being and quality of life for older individuals.

References

Co, M., Moreno-Agostino, D., Wu, Y. T., Couch, E., Posarac, A., Wi, T., … & Prina, M. (2023). Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adults: A systematic review. Plos one, 18(5), e0284324.

Elendu, C., Amaechi, D. C., Elendu, I. D., Elendu, T. C., Amaechi, E. C., Usoro, E. U., … & Balogun, B. B. (2024). Global perspectives on the burden of sexually transmitted diseases: A narrative review. Medicine, 103(20), e38199.

Fu, L., Tian, T., Wang, B., Lu, Z., Bian, J., Zhang, W., … & Zou, H. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in older adults aged 60–89 years from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 5(1), e17-e30.

Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan development: A psychological perspective (2nd ed.). Open Textbook Library. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/lifespan-development-a-psychological-perspective

Lameky, V. Y. (2024). Sexual behaviour and health in older adults. The Journal of Adult Protection, 26(3), 154-156.

Smith, M. L., Bergeron, C. D., Goltz, H. H., Coffey, T., & Boolani, A. (2020). Sexually transmitted infection knowledge among older adults: psychometrics and test–retest reliability. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(7), 2462.

Van Epps, P., Musoke, L., & McNeil, C. J. (2023). Sexually transmitted infections in older adults: increasing tide and how to stem it. Infectious Disease Clinics, 37(1), 47-63.

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Writing Guide: Draft Copy o STI in the Elderly.

Learner Name
Psy290 Life Span Development
WK 7: STI in the Elderly
Faculty name
Chamberlain University
Month, Year

A review of the scholarly literature will uncover a prevalence of risky sexual behaviors and a high rate of sexually transmitted infections in individuals over 60 years of age. For this assignment, it is your responsibility to investigate the phenomenon of increased sexually transmitted infections, and you must provide at least 3 well-researched reasons why the elderly are at an increased risk of contracting an STI compared to their younger counterparts. And finally, provide at least 2 possible solutions to quell this problem.

Requirements
• 1-inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• Title page
• References page (minimum of 4 outside scholarly sources in addition to course materials)within 5year peer review

STI In the Elderly
This is your introduction. This paper is 2 pages (BODY – not counting the title nor reference pages), so you will need a true introduction. This paragraph IS your introduction. It needs to be a full paragraph in 5 sentences, academically written (complete sentences, no quotes, third person, etc.), and contain support from your EDAPT concepts. Here you want to examine the issue of individuals over the age of 60 contracting and passing sexually transmitted infections. I recommend beginning your introduction by defining late adulthood (paraphrased – no quoting) and then moving into the ideal that the elderly population is sexually active. Conclude your introduction by stating the focus of this paper will be to examine those infection rates, providing 3 reasons why the elderly is contracting/passing STI’s at a higher than their younger counterparts, and providing 2 possible solutions for curbing the issue. Remember that anytime you use ideas that are not your own, there should be an APA style in-text citation so that your reader knows the original source of those ideas or definitions.
STI in the Elderly Phenomenon
This section is going to look at those actual rates of infection of STIs in the elderly. ONLY look at the rates of infection, NOT the how and why (you will discuss those next). When talking about those infection rates, make sure to discuss anything pertinent to those rates of infection. Some examples of these would include: males, females, widowed, culture, ethnicity, religious preferences, and living environment (for example home, retirement community, assisted living, etc.). This section should be 1-2 paragraphs, be academically written, and include at least 1 resource (EDAPT, or Scholarly Resource). The last sentence in this section should be a statement, listing the three reasons for high rates of STI in the elderly. Remember to use APA style in-text citations for information you use from sources.
Reason
In this section discuss the FIRST reason why the rates of STI is so high in the elderly. It should be the first reason listed in the last sentence in the section above (STI in the Elderly Phenomenon). Keep it to one key point here. Use the research to really explain HOW the rates of STI are so much higher in the elderly OVER their younger counterparts. Write academically and cite often. Include at least 1 scholarly resource here in addition to your EDAPT concepts. This section should be 1 paragraph that is 5-sentence long.
Solutions
In this section you will introduce the idea that the medical community is likely to encounter elderly populations who have contracted (and often passed) an STI. It is important to identify possible solutions to curb the issue. This section should only be 5 sentence long, be academically written and include citation where necessary. The last sentence of this paragraph should be a statement listing the two solutions.
Summary and Conclusion
In this section you will simply summarize the information discussed. Keep it third person. Although it is a conclusion, you are summarizing the findings discussed, so citation is necessary. This section should only be 1 paragraph that is 5 sentence long.

References
Chamberlain University. (n.d.) Lifespan development. Adtalem-edapt. Retrieved
from https://adtalem.edapt.ai/student/course/5559b5e6-707f-42ae-9e79-1db00a30c7ed
Cummings-Clay, D. (n.d.). Child development. Achieving the Dream. OpenStax, OER Commons. Retrieved January 16, 2024, from https://library.achievingthedream.org/hostoschilddevelopmenteducation/
Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan development: A psychological perspective (2nd ed.). Open Textbook Library. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/lifespan-development-a-psychological-perspective
Remember: ALL resources used MUST be both cited and referenced. This assignment requires you use your EDAPT concepts (I have placed the reference above for you), the course text, and at least 2 scholarly resources from the library. As the course text does NOT include a chapter on late adulthood, add one additional scholarly or professional-credible resource. Your EDAPT concepts are a professional-credible resource. Below are some resources to help you with your resource in text citation and referencing, finding scholarly research in Chamberlain’s Library AND reviewing your Turnitin report to avoid accidental plagiarism. Delete ALL prior to submitting your assignment.
• Library home
• Chamberlain: What is a scholarly resource?
• Chamberlain Library Guides: Finding Credible Resources
• Writing Center Home
• APA Basics: Paraphrasing and Quoting
• Chamberlain Writing Center: Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting
• Academic Writer Tutorial: Basics of the 7th Ed APA Style (Overall)
• APA Basics: Paper Elements: Title page and/or reference list
• Chamberlain Writing Center: APA formatting (Basics, In text citations, Reference page, Appendix)
• APA Basics: Paper Organization: Level headings
• APA Basics: In-Text Citations