More Seniors Enjoying Intimacy, But Still Need Protection (NAPSA)—When it comes to romance, many older Americans feel young at heart and carefree. However, being older doesn’t mean yourrisks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV are lower. Research suggests that better health among older adults, Internet dating and certain medications have all contributed to people enjoying relationships later in life. In fact, a study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 73 percent of those aged 57 to 64 were sexually active, as were 53 percent of those 65 to 74, and 26 percent of those 75 to 85. As seniors continue to be intimate well into their 80s, studies show that a growing numberof older adults are being diagnosed with STDs. The most common are herpes and the human papilloma virus (which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer). Other STDs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV, which causes AIDS. Physicians find this news particularly worrisome because some age-related changes make older people more vulnerable to STDs than younger adults. The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging offers seniors the following advice to stay safe when sexually active. Know your partner’s background before becoming intimate: Be open and honest with your partner. An important topic to discuss is sexual health status. Consider getting tested first: An increasing number of older adults are enjoying sexual relationships. The best way to protect yourself and your partner is to get tested for HIV and STDs and share test results with each other. STDs don’t always cause obvious symptoms, and someof their symptomscan be mistaken for age-related health problems. Partners should also disclose if they’ve injected illegal drugs, as HIV can be spread by shared hypodermic needles. Stay protected: Use a condom and a lubricant every time you are intimate until you are in a monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested for STDs and has shared the results of these tests with you. Talk to your health care provider: He or she can offer additional advice about protecting yourself from STDs andalso recommend treatments for common sexual problems, such as vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction (ED). For more information, visit www.healthinaging.org.
