Introduced six new ‘vegetable’-themed condoms to reduce STI rates in over 65s

BONKING older Brits have been urged to practice safe sex by using herbal condoms.

Among those over 65, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have doubled in the past decade, prompting older generations to be urged to protect themselves.

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Cases of super gonorrhea were spotted in the UK earlier this year and people have been urged to be on the lookout for the disease.

Before the pandemic, cases of syphilis were also increasing by 86 per cent among those over 65, data from Public Health England showed.

And it’s no wonder infections are easily spread in this age group when two-thirds of Brits are uneasy about talking about STIs.

Research of 2,000 adults found that half of Britons (51%) find it difficult to have conversations about sex – 38% of those over 65 – with adults avoiding the subject because it makes them uncomfortable.

Relationship charity Relate has partnered with the Hornicultural Society to end the stigma older generations face when it comes to talking about sex.

Their study found that 43 percent of people over the age of 65 now feel more confident and free when it comes to sex than at any other time in their lives.

While more than half consider themselves adventurous in the bedroom.

The study also found that 16 percent of those over 65 have bought or considered buying sex toys for themselves or their partner in the past 12 months.

More than half of this age group (52 percent) have sex once or twice a week – with 12 percent saying they are having sex more now than at any time in their lives.

But the research, conducted by OnePoll, found that 80 percent of people over the age of 65 had not bought a condom in the last six months.

That’s why society has now launched a new range of condoms to encourage older age groups to stay protected.

They come in garden seed-style packaging and come in six naughty vegetable themes, including onion, avocado, plum, artichoke, zucchini and eggplant.

The free condoms are also sustainable and can be planted in a pot to decompose.

Relationship psychotherapist and relatives president Anjula Mutand said that sex and intimacy later in life can be just as adventurous and fulfilling as it was at any age.

She explained: “It might be different – for physical reasons or otherwise – but it’s brilliant that our research has shown that it’s still an important part of life for those who want it.

“And we shouldn’t be afraid to speak up about the importance of safe sex, regardless of age.

“By bringing the sexual health debate to an unexpected setting like a garden center, we’re once again trying to break taboos and get people across the country talking about the joy of sex later in life.”

The limited edition condoms are available from www.relate.org.uk and from the Finchley Nurseries store in London.

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