It's always better to be safe than sorry, no matter a person's age.
This is the reason behind documentarian Jane Johanson's — daughter of Canadian sex expert Sue Johanson — partnership with Jems, a condom brand, on the "F*cking Old" campaign to invite Canadian seniors to talk about safe, protected sex. In particular, the campaign encourages younger Canadians, who are comfortable with talking about sex, to educate seniors on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Despite popular belief that seniors might not be as sexually active as young people, the BC Centre for Disease Control reported that in recent years, the rate of STIs has increased in the older Canadian demographic.
According to a Statistics Canada report, between 2010 to 2019, there was about a 90 per cent increase among Canadians older than 60 per 100,000 population for chlamydia; about a 168 per cent increase for gonorrhea; and about a 218 per cent increase for syphilis.
The increase in STIs among Canadian seniors is attributed to the fact that many who are single are ready mingle, in part due to grey divorces.
"They grew up in a time when it wasn’t as open to talk about things like that and despite what their sexuality might be they most likely have been in monogamous heterosexual relationships for the majority of their adult life and now they are exploring more freedom and a sense of acceptance in that exploration," said Ann Welch, the education manager of Positive Living North.
“We can’t assume that sex is not happening for the older population and there needs to be more support by providing education and supplies if needed for safe sex."
In order to cultivate organic conversations, and reduce feeling awkward or shame, Jems created "a collection of F#cking Old hard candies, inspired by the long-time association between hard candies and seniors." The organization stated, in a press release, that all proceeds will be donated to Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.
"Ultimately, the candies are a sweet prompt to help bridge the gap and promote healthy sexual habits amongst seniors," says Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory, co-founders of Jems.
"Instead of your grandma giving you a hard candy, this is a chance for you to give her one and ignite a conversation about sexual health and the spread of STIs, amongst a generation who is at risk."
With files from Christine Dalgleish, Prince George Citizen
