STI Rise Among Seniors: Does Grandpa Need Condoms?

Why Older Adults Are Facing an Unprecedented Spike in Sexually Transmitted Infections

There’s a shocking STI rise among seniors across the United States, with sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia surging among people aged 55 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported cases of these infections have more than doubled in the last decade, and experts warn the numbers are likely to increase.

Some unexpected states are leading in this STI rise among seniors. In South Dakota, the highest rate of syphilis was recorded among older adults, with 6.1 cases per 100,000. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., seniors hold the top spot for gonorrhea with 29 cases per 100,000, and Alaska has the most cases of chlamydia in this age group with almost 18 per 100,000. The statistics are alarming, prompting health officials and organizations like the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) to issue warnings about the growing epidemic.

Image Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What’s Driving the STI Rise Among Seniors?

There are several factors contributing to the STI rise among seniors. A 2018 survey by AARP revealed that 40% of adults between 65 and 80 are still sexually active, and two-thirds are interested in maintaining a sexual relationship. However, only 8% of those sexually active seniors regularly use condoms.

This lack of protection has been linked to a common misconception among older adults: many believe condoms are unnecessary because they no longer face the risk of pregnancy. But as public health expert Matthew Lee Smith from Texas A&M points out, many seniors didn’t receive formal sex education when they were younger, leaving them uninformed about the risks of STIs.

Doctors also often overlook these discussions with older patients, making it easier for infections to spread unnoticed. “No one wants to think of their grandma or grandpa needing condoms, which is part of the problem,” says Smith.

While the desire for intimacy doesn’t fade with age, physical challenges can make protection harder. Seniors may struggle with dexterity when using condoms, and medications like Viagra and hormone replacement therapies—while boosting sexual desire—can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex. Adding to the problem, many older adults are finding themselves dating for the first time in decades—often after divorces or the loss of a spouse—encountering more sexual partners than ever before. To combat the STI rise among seniors, the federal government has created the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force to address syphilis outbreaks and reduce infection rates.

The STI rise among seniors continues to grow, and the numbers will likely worsen without intervention. More seniors are staying sexually active, yet there’s a lack of awareness around protection and prevention of infections in this age group. To address this, open conversations about sexual health between seniors, doctors, and care providers are essential. This surge in older-adult STIs serves as a reminder that safe sex is important at any age, and education about prevention shouldn’t end after reproductive years.

BECOME THE BEST LOVER YOU CAN BE