Sexually transmitted infections have been on the rise in older adults. Sexual health remains an important part of overall healthcare at any age. There are several barriers and facilitators to addressing sexual health in this population. Changes attributable to normal physiologic aging as well as sexual dysfunction can impact sexuality in older adults. When it comes to preventing STIs, combination prevention strategies remain applicable in older adults. Addressing sexual health using a tailored approach will be critical to stem the tide of rising STIs rates in older adults.
Institutionalized and community-dwelling older adults have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with increased morbidity and mortality. The advent of vaccines and their widespread use in this population has brought about a dramatic turnaround in COVID-19 outcomes. The immunogenicity and effectiveness of the various vaccine options worldwide will be discussed. Optimizing vaccine usage will remain crucial to maximize protection due to reduced initial immunity, the emergence of variant strains, and the waning of immunity over time. There are also lessons learned specific to older populations for future pandemics of novel pathogens where there is minimal to no prior immunity.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in older adults. Promoting healthy diets with vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains and seafood/lean meats, and minimize excess alcohol, salt, added/free sugar, trans-fats, and saturated fats, is key for primary CVD prevention. CVD risk can be reduced by interventions with Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary patterns and that incorporate multiple different domains of lifestyle (such as smoking and physical activity). Individual lifestyle, social drivers, and health characteristics of older patients can inform to personalized dietary recommendations.
