Garden-related condoms launched to encourage OAPs to practise safe sex
A RANGE of garden-related condoms has been launched — to encourage older folk to practise safe sex.
They come in seed-style packaging covered in rude-looking produce in the hope they will counter a rise in STIs among over-65s.
The Hornicultural Society contraceptives can even be popped post-romp in a pot to biodegrade.
They sprouted from an idea by relationship charity Relate, which hopes to end the stigma among older folk of talking about sex.
Packets are adorned with suggestive images of fruit and veg, including juicy plums, whopping courgettes and arresting avocados.
STIs have more than doubled among over-65s in the past ten years.
However, a survey for Relate found nearly four in ten older people avoided discussing the subject as it made them feel awkward.
Relate president Anjula Mutanda said: “We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the importance of safe sex, regardless of age.”
Research via OnePoll found 43 per cent of older folk claiming to be at their most sexually liberated.
More than half (52 per cent) romp once or twice a week — while 16 per cent have considered sex toys.
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Ms Mutanda said: “Sex and intimacy can be as adventurous and fulfilling in later life as it can be at any age.
"By bringing the sexual health debate to an unexpected environment like a garden centre, we’re once again trying to help break down taboos and get people up and down the country talking about the joy of later-life sex.”
The limited-edition condoms are free from Finchleys garden centre, North London, this weekend — where a customer called Irene picked a handful — or online from Relate.