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Known as the “The Middle-age Spread”, STIs in the over 50s has become a topic garnering increasing attention in both the medical community and the press. In the last decade, cases of Chlamydia in those aged 45-64 have risen by three quarters. While almost a fifth of the same age group admitted to having unprotected sex in the last five years with someone other than their long-term partner. But why is an age range with typically low rates of STIs seeing a rise?

One reason lies in divorce. While the overall divorce rate has begun to decline, it is actually increasing in those of retirement age. On reaching retirement many older couples are finding their increased amounts of free time actually detrimental to their marriage. Quite literally, they’re realising they don’t like each enough to spend the whole day together. Indeed, this rise in over 50s divorce has even created some cultural attention, being labelled “silver separations”. Instead of staying in, the aging population are travelling widely, experimenting with new cultural experiences, and more importantly, embarking on casual relationships. In that sense, the rise of STI rates isn’t too surprising; over 50s are having more casual sex now than ever.

Ironically, the wealth of safe-sex advertising aimed at today’s youth is also having a diverse effect on the over 50s. Returning to the world of casual sex, none of the advice or guidance provided by the government is targeted at the older ages. This means that they are finding themselves unaware of many of the modern problems with STIs and how easy the solutions can be. Without the reminder, it’s unlikely to be something on their mind when embarking on their new life. Only now are we beginning to see a growth in over 50s aimed sexual health advertising, but it still too little too late to stem the rise of STIs.

Another factor is likely the lower use of condoms in the over 50s, thanks to the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men of older age. If an over 50 finds it hard to maintain an erection, the wearing of a condom will likely make it much worse as it restricts the blood flow to the penis. And whilst prescription drugs and other remedies are available to help with erectile dysfunction, its influence will still lead to reduced condom usage and therefore higher rates of STIs.