FACT: 1 in 5 people over 65 have BETTER sex lives than before (COMHS)

?NEWSFLASH? People of all ages like to get it on! You typically won’t see Hollywood or advertisers selling sex between older adults outside of an erectile dysfunction ad but that doesn’t mean older people aren’t having just as much sex as younger adults. Just as there is a stigma associated with HIV, there is a stigma around the sexuality of older people. And you know us, we are all about crushing stigmas.

Still not convinced? Even if you are, the stats are too good not to share! In 2017, another study revealed that people over 70 were having MORE sex than younger people. ? Now THAT’s what we like to hear!! ?

FACT: In 2018, 1 in 6 new HIV diagnoses were for people ages 50+ (CDC)

Wisdom may come with age, but invincibility to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases does not. We know… wouldn’t that be nice?!? While a significant amount of older adults living with HIV were diagnosed in their younger years, the above statistic from the CDC shows that people are still at risk for HIV no matter what their age.

In fact, some older folks are less likely to engage in safe sex practices, putting them even further at risk. For example, people may stop or decrease their use in condoms because there’s no longer a risk of pregnancy or because of decreased sensitivity. And remember that pesky sexual stigma for people over 50? Well it also makes folks less likely to talk to their doctor about their sexual health and less likely to get tested. Don’t be afraid to speak up! ? Enjoy alllllll that sex but do it safely. In other words, WEAR ?? THE ?? DANG ?? CONDOM!

FACT: With most insurances, PrEP is 100% FREE.?? (NBC)

It’s so important, we’ll say it again. Yes. As of January 1, 2021, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), people can get PrEP with zero out-of-pocket cost under almost all insurance providers. What’s not to like? ?? 

For more information about PrEP and possible payment options, contact your friendly neighborhood PrEP Navigators, AKeem and Fiona! You can also check our past blogs on affording PrEP.

No insurance? There are still lots of options that may be available to you. Here are just a few:

• Ohio’s PAPI program
• Ready, Set, PrEP
• Gilead Payment Assistance Program
• Teva Pharmaceuticals savings card

AKeem and Fiona can help you figure out which one is right for you. Reach out easily by phone or with the quick form on this page!