Safer Sex in Later Life: Qualitative Interviews With Older Australians on Their Understandings and Practices of Safer Sex

摘要

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in older cohorts in Western countries\udsuch as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, suggesting a need to examine the\udsafer sex knowledge and practices of older people. This article presents findings from 53 qualitative\udinterviews from the study Sex, Age, and Me: A National Study of Sex and Relationships Among\udAustralians Aged 60+. Participants were recruited through an online national survey. We consider\udhow participants understood “safer sex,” the importance of safer sex to them, the safer sex practices\udthey used (and the contexts in which they used them), and the barriers to using safer sex. Older\udadults had diverse understandings, knowledge, and use of safer sex practices, although participants\udtended to focus most strongly on condom use. Having safer sex was strongly mediated by relationship\udcontext, trust, perceived risk of contracting an STI, concern for personal health, and stigma.\udCommon barriers to safer sex included erectile \uddifficulties, embarrassment, stigma, reduced pleasure,\udand the lack of a safer sex culture among older people. The data presented have important\udimplications for sexual health policy, practice, and education and health promotion campaigns\udaimed at improving the sexual health and well-being of older cohorts.