Testing is lifelong commitment.
Testing is the use of medical procedures to detect, diagnose, or monitor a condition. It can also be used to determine a course of treatment or assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan.
Name: Debbie
Age: 55
I have learned so much over these five decades of life. The younger me was hesitant to initiate conversations with my providers about STIs and HIV. The older me doesn’t wait to see if providers will ask me questions about STI and HIV testing but insists on regular testing because I’m in control of my body and sexual choices because sex never gets old!
Name: Tobias
Age: 70
While having breakfast with a good friend of mine, he shared with me that he had started dating after being single for 20 years. My friend informed me that he and his new partner decided to go in for STI and HIV testing together as part of taking care of each other. Knowing that I have dated a lot over the years, my friend then asked me when I last tested for STIs and HIV. When I responded that I had never been tested my friend didn’t judge me but encouraged me to make an appointment to get tested. I appreciated that conversation and took it to heart and scheduled an appointment at a local clinic to get tested for STIs and HIV because I love myself and value my health. I plan to be around and active for a long time and for me, sex never gets old!
Name: Roger
Age: 65
So much has changed over the years. It’s amazing that we now have options for STI and HIV prevention that I never imagined. 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 give me the confidence that I need to connect with others. I plan to keep up with my regular testing and doing my part to protect myself and my partners because sex never gets old!
Name: Sylvia
Age: 75
I recently moved into a senior living community. During my last visit with my health care provider we engaged in a conversation about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). My provider shared with me that STIs are a growing concern in senior living communities as a result of increased sexual activity among older adults. My provider shared that STIs including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are on the rise among older adults, with rates more than doubling in the last decade according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We discussed prevention and testing options so that I could make the best decisions for myself. I have been sharing this information with others in my senior living community because we all agree that sex never gets old!
What does Testing 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.
It's interesting and astonishing that syphilis and gonorrhea remains prevalent for us over 50 years of age. Testing means just that...regardless of symptoms (asymptomatic), we see physicians more often and should be tested regardless.
(Gay/Bisexual, Pacific Islander and Native Alaskan (Tlingit), Age Range: 72-82)
Everyone should be offered it in senior citizens places.
(Cisgender, African American, Age Range: 61-71)
STI/HIV testing as older adults is a powerful act of self-awareness, responsibility, and care. It’s not just a medical procedure. It’s a statement that sexual health matters at every age.
(Male, Latino, Age Range: 50-60)
It affects everyone. No is immune and should be tested if they are sexually active .
(Male, White, Age Range: 61-71)
Testing should be like getting your temperature taken. Should be free and accessible.
(Cisgender Male, White, Age Range: 72-82)
Depending on how active you are, it's a security.
(Gay, White Latinx, Age Range: 72-82)
Todos somos responsables de cuidar de un salud , hay que hacerse las pruebas con regularidad. Y ser portavoz hacia nuestro prójimo.
(Mujer, Blanca Latina, Age Range: 61-71)
A responsibility similar to when I was younger, but with the need for providers to appreciate and be proactive in asking me about the need for STI/HIV testing.
(Male, White, Age Range: 61-71)
Being honest and straightforward.
(Black, Female, Age Range: 61-71)
Testing
Testing is the gift you keep giving yourself and your partner(s). HIV and sexuality transmitted infections (STIs) are not immune to age. It’s important to know your status to make safe, informed decisions about your sexual wellness.
Early diagnosis of HIV and other STIs is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of transmission. Sadly, 34.1% of older adults diagnosed with HIV were at Stage 3 (the most advanced stage of HIV infection, also known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)) at the time of their diagnosis1, creating barriers to overall health and well-being.
Only 17% of older adults say their doctor has ever asked about their sexual health2. It’s imperative to foster open and direct communication with your provider concerning testing and your sexual health. There is no age cutoff, testing for HIV and STIs should be based on sexual behaviors, not your age. An overwhelming 75% of the people who saw their primary care provider were NOT offered a test3.
Testing has become easier than before with some tests, like HIV, available to be taken for free, confidentially, and in the privacy of your own home. Many health clinics and community-based organizations offer testing for HIV and STIs, take advantage of the health provider that works for you. Always follow-up with a health provider about a reactive test, or any concerns. Initiate a conversation with your provider - your sexual health depends on it.
Testing improves your health and the health of others around you. Experience is sexy. Knowledge is power. Know your status. Protect yourself and your partners(s) by routinely testing.
1Centers 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.
2Malani, P. N., Kullgren, J. T., & Solway, E. (2020). National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), United States, June 2020 (Version 1) [Data set]. Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. https://doi.org/10.3886/E183986V1 National Poll on Healthy Aging+3
3HANC 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
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.