Protect Yourself: The Senior’s Guide to Sexual Health and STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often thought of as a health concern mainly for younger people. However, recent data show that rates of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have more than doubled among adults aged 55 and older over the past decade.

This trend is particularly concerning for seniors living in assisted living and senior care facilities, where sexual activity continues, but safe sex practices may be overlooked. Here’s what you need to know, and how Legacy can help.

Why Are STIs Rising Among Older Adults?

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), NBC News and Health.com, several factors contribute to this increase.

• More seniors are sexually active than ever before. Nearly 40% of people aged 65 to 80 are sexually active, with many benefiting from medications like Viagra and hormone replacement therapies that improve sexual function. (AMA, 2025)
• Condom use among older adults is very low. Only about 3% of people over 60 report using condoms, often because pregnancy is no longer a concern and STI awareness is limited. (AMA, 2025)
• There is a significant lack of knowledge about STI risks and prevention in this age group, as comprehensive sexual education was often unavailable during their youth. (NBC News, 2024)
• Assisted living and nursing home environments provide more opportunities for new sexual partners, increasing exposure risk. (NBC News, 2024)
• Age-related physical changes, such as thinning vaginal tissue after menopause, make infections more likely and harder to clear. (com, 2024)

As Jill Jahns, Legacy’s Health Navigation Director, notes: “What we often see is that seniors or their caregivers face challenges starting the conversation about STI testing and care. It’s a topic that many find uncomfortable, but having open, honest discussions with your medical professionals is essential. These conversations help identify risks early and address concerns before they become serious.”

Why Seniors Should Take Action

A lot of older adults don’t realize they could be at risk for STIs, and many don’t bring up their sexual activity or ask about testing when they visit the doctor. But experts say sexual health matters no matter your age, and being open with your health care provider can make all the difference in staying safe and getting the right care when you need it.

Legacy Community Health offers confidential STI testing and treatment for people of all ages, including seniors. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications such as transmission to others.

Recognizing Symptoms: What to Watch For

STIs don’t always cause obvious signs, but if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a health care provider and ask for testing:

• Sores, bumps, or blisters around the genitals, mouth, or anus
• Unusual discharge with an odor or a green or yellow tint
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting, especially after sex
• Pain or discomfort during sex

Keep in mind, some STIs can be “silent” with no symptoms at all, so regular testing, and making sure your partner does the same, is the best way to stay safe.

How to Protect Against STIs

Here are important tips for seniors and their caregivers to reduce STI risk:

1. Talk openly with your doctor about your sexual health – it’s important at any age.
2. Use protection, like condoms, even if pregnancy isn’t a worry.
3. Ask about vaccines that help prevent infections like HPV and hepatitis.
4. Get tested regularly, especially with new partners or in group living situations.
5. If you need treatment, get it early – STIs are treatable, and Legacy Community Health is here to help, confidentially and with care.

“The best way to make conversations about sexual health easier is to normalize it,” Jahns says. “Having these conversations in a private environment is key to productive discussions.”

What Caregivers and Health Providers Can Do

Caregivers in assisted living and nursing homes have an important role in encouraging open, honest conversations about sexual health. They can help residents get tested and stay protected, all while respecting their privacy and independence.

“It’s about creating a respectful, safe space where seniors feel empowered to take charge of their sexual health,” says Jahns.

Healthcare providers should also take the initiative. Sometimes they assume that if patients don’t bring up sexual health concerns, those issues don’t exist. “Starting the conversation about sexual health and STI prevention with older patients helps reduce stigma and ensures they receive care for all their health concerns,” Jahns adds.

How Legacy’s Health Navigation Program Supports Seniors

Legacy Community Health’s health navigation program is designed to support seniors who might be hesitant to get tested or treated.

Testing is confidential, quick, and easy. “For some STI tests, only a drop of blood is needed, with results ready within 20 minutes,” Jahns explains. “If a test comes back reactive, we have fast-tracked processes to connect individuals to care, often on the same day. Knowing your status empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.”

In addition to Legacy’s website and clinic locations, www.cdc.gov offers handouts and resources for sexual health, including sections tailored to older adults.

To schedule an appointment at Legacy or learn more, please contact Legacy Community Health today.