PUBLIC health officials in Somerset want to work more with “swinging communities” to combat rising levels of sexually transmitted infections among the over 65s.

A report discussed by Somerset County Council shows the amount of older people who have contracted gonorrhoea and chlamydia has risen over the last 12 months.

This rise has been partly blamed on rising numbers of older people using dating apps, coupled with an unwillingness of that age group to visit their GP for sexual health matters.

The council has said it wants to work with the NHS to “reduce some of the barriers” and ensure people can access the treatment they need.

The issue was discussed by the council’s adults and health scrutiny committee when it met in Taunton on Wednesday morning (July 3).

Public health specialist Michelle Hawkes said in her written report: “Whilst the numbers were far lower than amongst people under the age of 35, the largest proportional increase in gonorrhoea and chlamydia was in people aged 65 years and older.

“New diagnoses of gonorrhoea and syphilis have increased in Somerset.”

Stephen Chandler, the council’s director of adult services, asked what help was being provided for people aged 65 and over who had contracted one or more STIs.

Ms Hawkes said the number involved was “a very small group” and much of the rise was “driven through dating apps”.

She added: “We’re trying to do more with the swinging communities, but they’re very wary or distrusting of us coming in.

“We want to reduce some of the barriers, since they are the age group most unlikely to go to their GP if they have a concern.”

The council commissions the Somerset-Wide Integrated Sexual Health service (SWISH), which provides various clinics where individuals can either book appointments or walk in and wait to be seen by a specialist.

Since its inception in 2016, the number of people being seen by SWISH has risen from 15,776 to 17,770 – with around one in three of those seen being male.

Mr Chandler said: “We don’t naturally think of over-65s when we think about sexual health, and we need to challenge that given the way that lifestyles have changed.” 

He subsequently elaborated on his Twitter feed: “It’s really important to have the discussion to raise awareness and confidence in the support that’s out there. STIs effect all ages.”

Ms Hawkes’ report on sexual health will be further discussed by the Somerset Health and Well-being Board when it meets in Taunton on July 11.