Prevent at any age.
Actions or behaviors focused on safeguarding health.
Name: Ricky
Age: 63
The landscape of HIV prevention options has changed dramatically over the years. PrEP for HIV has been a game changer and I am constantly educating myself about the different types of PrEP available and what’s best for me so that I can discuss these with my providers. You are never too old to learn about how to prioritize your health. Sex never gets old!
Name: Amber & Celia
Age: 61 & 65
We celebrate the freedom that now exists because of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) meaning that people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load can not transmit HIV to their sexual partners, Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) to prevent certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after condomless sex. There’s so much more joy and freedom now because of the many STI and HIV prevention options that now exist because sex never gets old!
Name: Tony
Age: 60
STI and HIV prevention means that I need to take matters into my own hands. Incorporating all the knowledge related to prevention options that I have learned over the years gives me a sense of comfort and helps me make the best decisions for my body and sexual health. Sex never gets old!
Name: Tim & Randy
Age: 62 & 51
As older adults who recently decided to enter the dating arena after being single for several years, we were both anxious. Fortunately, we soon realized that we had a good chemistry which made it easy to talk about the fact that neither of us had been tested for STIs or HIV in years. It was there on our first date that we agreed that we would test for STIs and HIV so we would know our status going forward. We are excited for the next steps in our dating journey. Sex never gets old!
What does Prevention mean to you?
HANC surveyed adults 50 years of age and older to gain their insight. The following quotes are direct, unedited responses from individuals who responded to the survey.
The same as it meant to me in middle age: testing before and after sexual encounters, monogamous relationships, condoms, dental dams, etc.
(Female, Black, Age Range: 61-71)
HIV must stop with me and I need to make it my business. Staying educated and sharing my knowledge with everyone and their mamma and indeed, with potential sexual partners!
(Male, White, Age Range: 72-82)
Si hay vida sexual activa, es necesario conocer medidas de prevención de las ITS y VIH, son parte de los riesgos de vivir nuestra sexualidad.
(Femenino, Mestiza, Age Range: 61-71)
Taking into account all of the discrimination and stigma, we must continue to monitor our health for these infections as well as educate our partners and community on the importance of receiving continuous screenings to remain STI-free.
(Male, African American, Age Range: 61-71)
STI/HIV prevention as an older adults is about empowerment, education, and dignity. It means recognizing that sexual health doesn’t expire with age, and that older adults deserve access to the same resources, respect, and support as anyone else.
(Male, Hispanic, Age Range: 50-60)
Taking care of me and being concerned about the other person. Seeing their paperwork along with showing them mine.
(Black, Female, Age Range: 61-71)
Maintaining my undetectable VL is important to me. When I play with others I am careful to play as safely as possible.
(Cis Male, Caucasian, Age Range: 61-71)
Having access (and insurance coverage) for appropriate PrEP like injectable CAB or LEN, doxy PEP, vaccinations for STIs, access to HPV cancer detection (cervical, anal, oropharyngeal).
(Male, White, Age Range: 61-71)
It means taking responsibility for my self-care (using condoms, lubricant, PrEP, DoxyPEP), staying informed about prevention options, and hoping these options are available in my country.
(Heterosexual Woman, Latina, Age Range: 50-60)
Prevention
Before you play, prevent. Older adults aren’t immune to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Between 2013-2023, among adults 65+ yrs, primary and secondary syphilis increased 6x, gonorrhea increased ~4x, and chlamydia increased ~3x1. About 1 in 6 new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. is in someone aged 50 or older2.
Unique factors like decreased awareness of vulnerability, stigma, and age-related health changes can provide barriers to safer and fun play. Older adults might not worry about pregnancy resulting in less condom use, but STIs have significantly increased in this age group over the past decade. Providers may not ask older adults about their sexual activity or offer routine testing due to negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
Sexual health conversations should be normalized among older adults. Challenge ageism that doesn’t see older adults as sexual human beings. Providing affirmative care for older adults and those in the LGBTQIA2S+ communities is imperative to safer and healthy interactions.
Explore pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options with your provider. Available in pill form or injectables, broaden your horizons with new ways to prevent the transmission of HIV. Condoms and microbicides (products such as gels or rings that can be used to prevent HIV and other STIs) still play an essential role guarding against STIs. PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, can help after a sexual exposure. PEP can prevent HIV when taken within 24-72 hours after a potential HIV exposure. Doxy PEP can be taken within 24-72 hours after condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex to combat gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis after an exposure.
Prevention is key. Fortunately, more older adults are being prescribed PrEP in the U.S., with 36.7% coverage in 2022 and 30.2% coverage in 20231. Let’s keep closing those gaps with the prevention tools that are right for you. Talk with your provider on how you can play safely. Normalizing conversations about sexual health should be a part of routine care for older adults.
1HANC and SAGE. (2024, December 13). Inclusive HIV Prevention & Sexual Health: Addressing the Needs of Older Adults in Clinical Trials and Practice. [Webinar]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9G-tbfDd34&t=28s
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2022 (HIV Surveillance Report, Vol. 35). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Explore the Sexual Health Spectrum
Sexual Wellness
An important state of physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality focused on the possibility of engaging in pleasurable experiences throughout the human lifespan.
Disclaimer
Images feature models for illustrative purposes only. Stories are fictionalized and not based on actual people or events. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.