What You Should Know About Sexual Health & STDs in Retirement Homes

Covered in this guide:

• Are Older Adults Still Sexually Active?
• Improving Sexual Health Education for Seniors
• How To Protect Older Adults From Contracting STDs in Senior Living
• How To Protect Seniors From STDs in Retirement Communities
• Identifying Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse

Updated: May 12, 2023

There's a common misconception that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are only prevalent among young people. This misconception needs to be dispelled, especially when it comes to seniors living in retirement homes. While the idea of seniors remaining sexually active into their retirement years is often thought of as taboo, it's a reality that needs to be discussed. 

Studies show that STDs among older adults are on the rise. According to data published in 2019, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined that gonorrhea cases among adults aged 55 and older rose 164% between 2014 and 2018, cases of syphilis in the same age group rose 120%, and cases of chlamydia increased by 86%.

Unfortunately, STDs frequently go undetected in seniors due to a lack of routine screening. This guide discusses the common misconceptions about sexual activity among the older population, as well as sexual health, STDs and sexual abuse in retirement homes.

Are Older Adults Still Sexually Active?

It's often thought that older adults cease sexual activity; however, that's far from the truth. In fact, a 2007 survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated 3,005 American adults aged 57 to 85 to assess the prevalence of their sexual activity and behaviors. 

Of those who responded:

• 73% of adults aged 57 to 64 identified as sexually active
• 53% of adults aged 65 to 74 identified as sexually active
• 26% of adults aged 75 to 85 identified as sexually active

Misconceptions About Older Adults and Sex

While many mistakenly believe that adults don't remain sexually active in the latter years of life, others have misconstrued beliefs about the sexual function and habits of senior citizens. Some of these misconceptions include the following:

• Seniors don't enjoy sex: Many people believe the desire for sex decreases or disappears altogether with age; however, seniors often continue to crave and enjoy sexual activity. Even after the loss of a spouse or partner, many seniors return to dating and engage in sexual activity with new partners.
• Seniors aren't able to have sex: While some older adults do experience physical changes that affect their sexual function, there are several ways to overcome these barriers, including physical therapy and prescription medications. 
• Seniors don't need to use protection when they have sex: It's important to remember that while seniors aren't able to get pregnant, STDs continue to pose a threat at any age. Protection is important in all sexual interactions, particularly when the interaction is with a new partner or if one participant has had multiple partners. 
• Sex isn't important in mature relationships: Regardless of age, sex continues to be an integral part of a relationship for many couples. 
• Sex might cause seniors to have a heart attack: While some seniors may not have the same level of stamina they did in their younger years, sex remains perfectly safe for most older adults unless their doctor has advised against it. 

Improving Sexual Health Education for Seniors

Sexual health education is crucial for older adults. Changing medical perspectives on STDs and advancements in contraception mean many seniors are behind when it comes to sexual education. There are several relevant topics that should be discussed with adults as they enter their retirement years.

Expected Changes in the Sexuality of Seniors as They Age

As seniors age, they may experience changes in their sexual health. That can include a decrease in their sex drive, difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection or lubrication and changes in overall sexual function. Recognizing these changes as they occur is important to maintaining sexual and emotional health in older adults.

It's important to note that not all seniors experience these changes. In fact, some continue to have a fulfilling and active sex life without issue.

Causes Affecting Sexual Health in Seniors

It's not uncommon for seniors to experience problems with their sexual function as they age. In many cases, these are the result of medications, illnesses or disabilities. Some of the most common causes of sexual problems in seniors include: 

• Alcohol abuse
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Dementia
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Incontinence
• Medication side effects
• Obesity
• Stroke 
• Surgery

Dealing With Physical Health Becoming a Barrier to Sex

As seniors age, physical health conditions can arise and become barriers to sexual activity. Conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, mobility limitations and chronic illnesses, including heart disease, can impact their ability to engage in sexual activity. 

When such issues arise, it's important for seniors to talk to their health care provider about their concerns and explore ways to accommodate their changing health needs. Options might include:

• Using assistive devices, such as handrails and grab bars for additional support
• Exploring new sexual positions
• Seeking other opportunities to enjoy intimacy with a partner

When physical health becomes a barrier to sex, a health care provider might also recommend a regular exercise plan and healthier diet to manage conditions and improve sexual function. 

What Can Seniors Do to Maintain an Active and Enjoyable Sex Life? 

Older adults should be encouraged to enjoy sexual activity in a safe way. That means educating seniors about STDs, especially those that are common in retirement homes, such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. It also means educating them about the best ways to protect themselves from those STDs, whether that's through abstinence or using condoms.

How To Protect Older Adults From Contracting STDs in Senior Living

Sexual activity is a given in retirement communities, especially among those who have recently become single or widowed and are reentering the dating scene. It's important that caregivers and retirement home managers take measures to protect residents from STDs.

Who Is at the Highest Risk of Contracting STDs in Senior Living?

While all seniors who are engaging in sexual activity face some STD risk, others have a slightly elevated risk, including:

• Seniors using online dating services and engaging in intercourse with unfamiliar partners
• Seniors who didn't receive sexual education in school
• Seniors with weakened immune systems
• Seniors who don't discuss sexual health or get STD testing from their doctors

Common STDs Affecting Seniors in Retirement Communities

While seniors aren't immune to any STD, some are more common than others in retirement homes. 

How To Protect Seniors From STDs in Retirement Communities

Caregivers can take several measures to protect residents of retirement communities from contracting STDs. Some of those measures include:

• Conducting sexual health education workshops and encouraging residents to participate
• Providing condoms on-site
• Ensuring residents have access to STD testing
• Providing seniors with necessary medications to treat STDs

Identifying Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, seniors aren't immune to sexual abuse while living in retirement communities. It may happen at the hands of a caregiver, a family member or a fellow resident. 

In 2016, long-term care ombudsman programs throughout the United States collected and investigated 819 complaints regarding sexual abuse of seniors — and that's just the cases that are documented. Many seniors are too embarrassed to talk about abuse and as such, it's likely that many cases go undetected each year.

For seniors, caregivers and family members, it's important to know the signs of sexual abuse. Some of these signs include: 

• Bruises around the thighs, genitals, breasts or wrists
• Unexplained genital infections or STDs
• Lack of appetite
• Unexplained bleeding in the vaginal or anal area
• Depression
• Sudden difficulty with sitting or walking
• Torn or stained underwear
• Hostility
• Panic attacks
• Sudden withdrawal from social interaction
• Any other sudden changes in behavior

What To Do if You See Signs of Sexual Abuse

Long Term Care Ombudsman programs in each state handle complaints and investigations about sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation and neglect in senior living facilities. Any signs of abuse noticed by caregivers, family members or seniors must be reported. 

Seniors or family members can search the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care directory of Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs to find out how to report sexual abuse in their state.

Where To Report Elder Abuse in Each State

Incidents of abuse or neglect in long-term care can also be reported to Adult Protective Services. Contacts for each U.S. state are listed below.