Could over-50s be having more sex than young people?
Emerging trends that suggest the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in over-50s doubled between 2004-2010.
Queensland University of Technology social marketing masters student Natalie Bowring has decided to look into it, launching an investigation into the low use of condoms among this age group.
“Sexually active older Australians are contracting chlamydia and gonorrhoea in rapidly increasing numbers,” Ms Bowring said.
“Using a condom could prevent STIs but this age group tends to see condoms in terms of contraception rather than a form of protection. This could be because older adults began their sexual lives in a time of unprecedented sexual freedom thanks to the pill and the women’s liberation movement.
“The rising rate of infection indicates older heterosexual adults are engaging in frequent, risky sexual behaviour but very little research has been done on why they are not using condoms or how to encourage their use in this age group.”
The statistics reflect those in the UK, where rates of over-50s with STIs could surpass young people.
Ms Bowring hopes to interview heterosexual people aged over 50 who have been sexually active within the last year on their beliefs and attitudes towards condoms to better comprehend the barriers and motivators of unprotected sex.
“With life events leaving many older adults divorced or widowed and multiple platforms such as internet dating and international travel, more and more older adults are increasingly ‘back on the market’ and actively seeking sexual relationships,” Ms Bowring said.
“We are not to assume that they’re stupid. They’ve probably got children they’ve given safe sex messages to,” she said.
Bowring said it was possibly because when they were young, condoms were used for preventing pregnancy.
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