‘Silver swipers’ and the rise in STIs amongst older people

Condom adverts typically feature young couples. And that’s because most of us associate healthy, happy sexual relationships with younger adults. But the truth is there is no upper limit on when people stop having sex. A big percentage of people continue to have a fulfilling sex life well into their later years. So why as a society are we so reluctant to talk about sex in later life? And what problems does this taboo cause? The health experts at YourGP shed some light on the topic…

Sex matters

Sexual activity can be an important marker of quality of life in older adults. It is often associated with mental and physical well-being, satisfactory relationships, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. In fact, The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Association for Sexual Health acknowledge the important positive influences of fulfilling sexual experiences on well-being throughout the life span, including at older ages. Despite this, there is still a stigma surrounding the sexual health of older people.

The problem with not talking about sex

The UK has an ageing population, but with many sexual health campaigns aimed solely at younger people, there is an increasing number of older people unaware of the risks of STIs in later life, and an increasing number of pensioners contracting them.

New statistics from the UK Health Security Agency show that pensioners aged 65 and over saw the second highest jump in STIs in 2023 compared to other age groups, with new cases soaring almost a fifth in a year. The number of recorded gonorrhoea cases were 44% higher in 2023 than they were in 2019, and the number of recorded chlamydia cases were 39% higher.

Reasons for the rise

There are many potential contributing factors to this rise in STIs amongst those aged over 65. One could be the increase in the divorce rate in recent times. As a result of this increase, more are embarking on new relationships later in life, and some may be doing so with a lack of education. They may come from a generation where sexual education just wasn’t provided at school. They may naively assume that condoms are necessary only for preventing pregnancies and not consider the importance of protecting against STIs. Therefore, some post-menopausal women or men who have undergone vasectomies may mistakenly dismiss the need to practice safe-sex.

Another contributing factor could be the rise in so-called ‘silver swipers’, thanks to the increase in popularity of dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge that are enabling older people to meet new sexual partners more easily than in the past.

Embarrassment may also be preventing older people from getting regular sexual health checks. They might not feel comfortable attending their local GUM clinic, for example, and therefore may continue having sex unaware that they may be carrying a highly infectious STI.

YourGP – tackling the taboo

Here at YourGP, we recognise that more needs to be done to safeguard the sexual health of older people and promote healthy, happy and fulfilling sexual activity in later years. We also understand that people of any age may prefer to keep their sexual health matters discreet, and that’s why so many choose to come to us. Our two practices are conveniently located on Dundas Street and in the Dean Village, and because we offer a wide range of GP services, no one need ever know the nature of your visit.

Book an appointment at YourGP

If you’ve got a new symptom that you would like checked out, or you’d like to book in for a full sexual health check, you can do so using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.