Education on sexual health and safe sex is typically aimed at young adults, whether in high school or university. But according to one British study, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising faster among over-45s than in the young, reports BBC online.

One theory is that people in the older age group are coming out of long-term relationships and rejoining the dating circuit without up-to-date knowledge of safe sex practices. Another is that people are less likely to use condoms when pregnancy is no longer an issue, despite the risk of STI infection.

These statistics are a good reminder to all of us that safe sex is essential at every stage of life. For more information on safe sex, talk to your doctor, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's website, or call your provincial STI/HIV/AIDS helpline. And once you've got that figured out, read our article "20 Sex Secrets" to help keep the fires going.

When and how did you learn about safe sex and sexual health? Do you think your knowledge is up to date?