Grey-Bruce Boomers Spring 2023

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
by Monica Blair
feel a greater sense of safety with the changing
times and increased acceptance. This can sometimes
be difficult for families or peers to accept and may
lead to greater social isolation. The Government
of Canada has developed a toolkit (Social Isolation
of Seniors, Volume II: Ideas Exchange Event Toolkit) that
outlines strategies for individuals and organizations
to help decrease the social isolation of LGBTQ2s+
seniors.(7)
As stated, intimacy and sexuality provide many
positive benefits; however, everyone who is sexually
active may be at risk of acquiring a sexually
transmitted infection (STI), regardless of their age.
Older adults may be less inclined to use condoms
to protect against STIs due to difficulties related to
normal physical changes, not being concerned about
unplanned pregnancies, and dementia. In addition,
similar to gender identity and sexual orientation,
condoms were considered a taboo topic during
the formative years of many older adults. It was
forbidden to advertise condoms on TV or in print
until the 1980s when HIV emerged as an STI, so the
importance of using this protection for sexual activity
was not something that many of these individuals
recognized throughout most of their sexual lives.(8)
Seniors may also begin dating again after losing a
long-term partner. Since condoms were not a focus
of their previous relationship, they may not be
considered in a new relationship.
STI rates among seniors remain relatively low
compared to their younger counterparts, but testing
rates in this age group may also be low. Health care
providers may not discuss safer sex or regular STI
testing with their older patients because seniors
are not necessarily viewed as sexual beings and
because the most common STIs may not exhibit any
symptoms or they may have symptoms that mimic
other common health conditions.
However, Health Canada reports that between 2005
and 2015, chlamydia cases rose by 142 per cent,
gonorrhea cases rose by 87 per cent, and syphilis
rates rose by five per cent in people 60 years of age
or older.(9)
Despite the unique factors that impact healthy
sexuality for seniors, the need for intimacy and
connection remains a constant for humans
throughout the lifespan. These needs can be met
in various ways, including through fulfilling sexual
relations at any age.
Sources
Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults | National Institute
on Aging (nih.gov)
Erectile dysfunction: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and
treatments (msn.com)
Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection
- The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and
Education (stanford.edu)
Body image Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster
Medical
Myths and Facts About Seniors and Sex | Newsmax.com
Conversations-about-dementia-intimacy-and-sexuality_
Alzheimer-Society-Canada.pdf
Social isolation of seniors: A focus on LGBTQ seniors in
Canada - Canada.ca
A Brief History of the Condom – HIV/AIDS (verywellhealth.
com)
Seniors have sex – and the STI rates to prove it - National |
Globalnews.ca
Monica Blair is a Registered Practical Nurse with
Grey Bruce Public Health, which offers sexual health
clinics for people of all ages. For more information, visit
publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
14 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM