It may surprise the young to learn that many senior citizens have a sex life - and with that comes the sometimes life threatening risks everyone faces when engaging in sex.
In 2008, 15 per cent of new HIV infections in Canada occurred in people 50 years and older, according to Health Canada - up by two per cent from 2006.
One organization in Prince George is hoping to help.
The Northern HIV and Health Education Society wants to make senior citizens more aware of sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV-AIDS.
"I started seeing the statistics about seniors [contracting HIV] and the numbers were on the rise," said educator, Mary Jackson.
The Learning and Laughing our Way to Health program is run through the Northern HIV and Health Education Society using grant money from New Horizons for Seniors.
The program targets marginalized groups in Prince George.
"Seniors are marginalized because they haven't had any formal education and they don't like talking about sex. They don't even like the word," said Jackson.
Increased HIV is being linked to increased sexual behaviour among seniors - and this is due in part to the popularity of drugs treating erectile dysfunction and a slowing down of the aging process.
"And of course marriages are ending, which they didn't used to do," said Jackson. "In the past, you would be with someone for a million years and it didn't matter if they was abuse, you'd still hang in there, and then you were celibate after that and you'd die celibate."
Jackson also said there's traditionally been a lack of basic sex education in older people.
"Women who have gone through menopause think they can't get pregnant, so why worry about protection?" said Jackson.
Older people may also face greater barriers to wellness, as some research has shown that older people living with HIV/AIDS experience higher rates of isolation and a lack of support from family and friends.
"In one study, researching reporter that 42 per cent of the subjects in the study needed more emotional support and 27 per cent needed more practical support from family and friends," states the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Jackson developed a bingo and jeopardy game with a group of senior volunteers covering everything in seniors health including, slips and falls, nutrition, abuse and HIV.
"My thinking is that if I can get in the door and they get to know me, then [seniors centres] will have me back to do more education," she said.
There is still some resistance to her program, but she isn't giving up.
"I'm trying to get into some of the Aboriginal communities with the elders too... but it's difficult. We are going to get there, I'm really persistent and we'll do it. It will just happen," said Jackson.
The Elder Citizens Recreation Association is holding an information seminar with Jackson on July 27 at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be included for members who attend.
