AARP Gives Seniors “Safe Sexting” Advice

Older adults are sexting, too – and they may not realize the risks of sexting also apply to them.

As more baby boomers and older adults acquire smartphones and learn the associated technology to communicate with children and grandchildren, experts believe more are also learning how to send or get sexted messages.

A study said that around 10 percent of adults who were at least 55 years old were participating in sending or receiving sex-themed messages, naked photos or sexual content with their phones. Study results were also noted in a recent AARP blog featuring "safe sexting tips," a clear demonstration of the reality that sexting appears in all age demographics.

The risks associated with sexting are the same for older adults as they are for teens and others. Photos may be used for cyber bullying or blackmail, and can appear online almost indefinitely. People who sext may also be more willing to take the relationship to the next level, leading to a potential for sexual addiction or pornography addiction. ??Material sent online or with a phone is never fully private, warn experts, and if the sexting involves any contact with a minor, criminal charges related to child pornography apply. Additionally, older adults who sext may not be careful enough in where they place their phone, allowing teens or children to view the images and messages.

Seniors were reminded in the AARP blog to set a password for their sexting, not to leave their phones out and accessible to others, and to look into apps that may delete or remove sexted images if the phone ends up lost.