by A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity highlights the rising incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among people aged 60 to 89 years worldwide. The study emphasizes the need for greater awareness, reduced stigma, and preventive measures to address this global public health challenge.
With people living longer than ever before, the number of individuals aged above 60 is set to nearly double by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As individuals age, their health typically deteriorates, resulting in a weakened immune system and increased vulnerability to infections, including HIV and other STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes.
According to Evandro Fei Fang, Associate Professor at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Oslo, HIV and other STIs are equally prevalent among sexually active older adults as they are among the younger population. This highlights the need to focus on the prevention and treatment of STIs in older individuals.
Fang and his colleagues analyzed global trends in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) related to HIV and other STIs among individuals aged 60 to 89 from 1990 to 2019 using data from 204 countries. While the number of older adults with HIV and STIs has decreased globally over the past few decades, the study reveals that STIs among older adults continue to be a significant public health challenge. In 2019 alone, there were over 77,000 new cases of HIV and nearly 26.5 million new cases of other STIs among older adults worldwide.
Furthermore, certain regions are witnessing an increase in the number of people affected by STIs. Eastern Europe, central Asia, and high-income Asia Pacific have experienced the largest increases in incidence rates of HIV and other STIs among older adults. This alarming trend raises concerns and necessitates immediate attention.
Sexually active older adults are often more susceptible to HIV and other STIs compared to their younger counterparts. Factors such as weakened immune systems and various biological, psychological, cultural, and societal factors contribute to this higher susceptibility. The increasing divorce rates and longer lifespans mean that older adults are more likely to engage in new relationships. However, this age group is less likely to use protective methods such as condoms or get tested for STIs.
Additionally, prevention programs often overlook older individuals, focusing primarily on younger populations. Healthcare professionals may also lack awareness and understanding of the sexual health needs of older adults, which can hinder adequate communication and risk prevention measures.
Advancements in the treatment of HIV and STIs have also contributed to higher incidence rates in some areas since people with these conditions now live longer. Furthermore, increased accessibility to foreign travel has exposed a significant portion of the global population to various countries and regions with widespread use of erectile dysfunction medications and accessible sex industries, further contributing to the spread of HIV and other STIs among older adults.
The study analyzed data for different countries and regions individually. In Norway, HIV infections among older adults are extremely rare. However, the incidence of other STIs in this age group has subtly increased over the past few decades, with roughly 1,600 cases in 1990 rising to approximately 1,700 cases in 2019. This signals an early warning to both the general older population and the Norwegian public health authorities.
The study overall applauds Norway’s strong efforts in controlling HIV and STIs but recommends additional interventions. Education and awareness campaigns targeted at healthcare personnel and older adults are crucial, along with the addressing of stigma and misconceptions surrounding sexual health in older populations. Collaborations between healthcare providers, senior centers, and relevant organizations can also play a pivotal role in addressing these issues effectively.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
