Adam Morris: Catching STIs and going to college - are our 50s our new 20s

Published on Wednesday 8 September 2010 13:40

IT is a message that is driven into promiscuous teenagers by their parents and teachers, but it seems it is other newcomers to the singles market, decades their senior, who are in need of sexual health education.

A campaign is to be launched in Scotland, backed by MSPs, to increase awareness of infections like chlamydia and herpes among the over 50s after it emerged sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising more rapidly among that age group than any other.

In the past four years, the number of people in the Lothians over 50 being treated for such diseases has increased by a third, compared to only an eight per cent rise in 16 to 19-year-olds.

It all points to a culture where people are simply not as over the hill as many would believe.

Studies have shown the half centenarians are now more likely to revisit their studies at university or college, have a career change or even take a gap year, all behaviour expected of them 30 years previously.

They are also becoming more computer literate, while a survey recently revealed sales of "grankinis" had rocketed thanks to the likes of Helen Mirren and Madonna.

So why, among a group renowned for pending grandparenthood and silver wedding anniversaries, is this now such a problem, and is it being reflected across all areas of their wellbeing or is it a symptom of the awkwardness attached to protective sex?

Emma Soames is the editor-at-large for the magazine of Saga, which provides a range of services for people in the UK aged over 50.

She said the complacency among that generation was at odds with the other areas of their lives, but that it was clear being in your mid-50s now is a very different experience to that of decades past.

"It's not all sexual, it's more about wider lifestyle changes," she said.

"People in their 50s and 60s are much younger now compared to people of that age 30 years ago. They are healthier, fitter and have a higher predisposition to divorce.

"We now have people in that bracket who have active sex lives and, of course, they are of the pre-Aids generation and therefore don't have the same opinions of contraception, which is thought purely as something to stop pregnancy."

The attitudes of this group still surprise her because it isn't repeated on any other front.

"Most of them have stopped smoking, they exercise regularly and watch what they eat and drink," she said.

"They even go to the gym often. They are very, very health conscious, except when it comes to sexual health."

This ignorance is almost certainly down to education, and is likely to change as generations age and those who were exposed to some form of sex education form the 50-60 age group.

Dr Alan Coupar, a clinical psychologist for Spire Murrayfield Hospital, said: "There are issues with new-found freedom where people are in that situation but without the necessary education to go with it. Things are very different now and young people are well educated about sex, and are having it earlier, whereas before people could be in their 20s before having their first sexual experience."

It isn't just in people's health and exercise where the change is noticeable. It is now far more common to see people beyond middle age out enjoying drinks in pubs perhaps more linked with the younger generation.

Music promoter Ian Kennedy, who has worked in the industry for more than three decades, said: "If you go to a gig now, even of modern bands, the age range is incredible. Go to the bar and you see couples in their 50s waiting to be served alongside teenagers and no-one bats an eyelid.

"Twenty or 30 years ago that would simply not have been the case, and that's as much a credit to the younger generation for being more tolerant than their elders ever were."

A spokeswoman for the Family Planning Association, which will launch its campaign in the Scottish Parliament on Monday, said: "Older people are increasingly likely to be single or experiencing relationship changes.

"Nowadays there is more opportunity to meet new people through international travel and internet dating.

"Society still sees sexual activity among older people as taboo and this attitude makes older people ashamed or embarrassed to admit to being sexual adults."

Dr Ian McKee, a former Wester Hailes GP and now Lothians list MSP, said: "There is no doubt more and more of us are starting new relationships at a much later age and that should be welcomed. However, we mustn't assume that the older we get the less likely we are to catch an STI.

"I think this is a crucial campaign that should be highlighted."

Growing old disgracefully

Four celebrities who discard dignity in place of having a good time.

Ronnie Wood 63, musician

Recently split from 21-year-old beauty Ekaterina Ivanova after an 18-month relationship. She said they regularly engaged in drink and drug binges.

Janice Dickinson 55, former model

Still dressing scantily and posing nude. Endless amounts of surgery don't hide her age.

Dale Winton 55, presenter

Anyone who saw how he dressed during his appearance on Chris Moyles' Quiz Night earlier this year would have felt embarrassed for him.

Bruce Springsteen 60, musician

The singer, who had hits such as Dancing in the Dark, still tours, and dresses, like a 25-year-old.