According to an article in the New York Times, single seniors in retirement communities are having an unprecedented amount of sex and that “retirement communities and assisted living facilities are becoming like college campuses.”  The problem lies not in the fact that these seniors are having sex but in the fact that STDs are on the rise within these communities as many who engage in sexual activity do not use protection.

Because of this, there should be classes and/or seminars in assisted living and retirement communities informing seniors of the dangers of unprotected sex.  In addition, families of seniors should also be a part of the conversation and help create awareness in their communities.  The term “safe sex” takes on a whole new meaning in this realm as STDs are not the only major concerns at this age.  Other concerns include physical safety with regard to various sexual positions.  In a nutshell, there needs to be more in-depth programs to address the overall well-being of seniors in retirement and assisted living facilities which include sex education.