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The Condom Commercial Every Boomer Must See

A new ad targets the increase in STDs among midlifers

By Sue Campbell

If anyone wonders whether boomers still have sex, the resounding answer is yes. And with sex comes the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The first deep study on whether or not midlifers are sexually active, and to what degree, came out in 2007. It showed that three-quarters of those 57 to 64 had active sex lives. The healthiest in that age range had even more sex. More research followed soon after, showing a rise in the number of STDs in adults over 50.

Now it seems business has caught up with human behavior. A new commercial from Trojan directly targets boomers:

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The "be prepared" message is timely, considering that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports  the  rate of STDs for boomers has tripled in the past decade. And AIDS remains a threat, especially for boomers whose physical changes may make them more susceptible to the virus that causes it.

(MORE: The Right to a Sex Life At Any Age)

Boomers may be more at risk simply because there are more of us, as a New York Times article recently pointed out. (And, for the record, younger people face the greatest risks.) The Times also reported on the trend of unsafe sex happening in retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The risk is there, too, for those who uncouple and begin dating again.

As the Trojan ad conveys, we may not have to worry about pregnancy, but that doesn’t make sex risk-free.

Sue Campbell was an Editorial and Content Director for Next Avenue. Follow her on Twitter @SuePCampbell. Read More
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