Why do so many senior citizens think age 65 +- date?
We want love and intimacy!
36% of adults aged 65 and older report being single, compared to 29% of people aged 50 to 64, and 21% of adults aged 30 to 49.
Dating is a huge business for people 65 years of age and up. They might find themselves single after a long term relationship due to divorce or death. They might have finally found their someone after many years happily single. Or they just may like dating.
What is the unanticipated consequence of more seniors dating?
In the United States, the number of STIs among people aged 65 and older more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
Furthermore, the rate of infection increased 23.8% for people aged 65 and older from 2020 to 2023.
According to Science of Health, here are some reasons for the rise in STIs amongst older adults:
Older people may underestimate their risk and not take precautions such as condom use and STI testing before having sex with a new partner. Lack of concern about pregnancy also likely diminishes condom use.
Erectile dysfunction drugs help more older men remain sexually active.
Hormone therapy helps more older women remain sexually active.
A larger number of older adults live together in assisted living facilities.
Older people aren’t given STI education and it’s been many decades since they received any sexual health education.
Older adults can have weakened immune systems.
So, to all you 65+ out there, follow the late Dr Ruth's wonderful advice (she died in 2024 at 96 and had a glorious impact!), but be safe and smart! Get regular testing and protect yourself and others.
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