RICHARD Madeley couldn’t stop giggling as he debated the over-65s being encouraged to use condoms – with a vegetable theme.
Courgette, aubergine, plums and avocado branded condoms are being sold in garden centres to protect pensioners against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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Debating the safe sex campaign, Richard asked guest Caroline Buchanan – who says it’s “essential” that people protect themselves and each other. “Why do you think the over-65s – 44 per cent in face – still think sex is really important?
“That goes against all the assumptions that as we get older we lose all interest in sex?”
Richard’s co-host Susanna Reid said using a condom at any age was simply a “mark of respect, consideration and love”.
But author Cosmo Landesman argued against pensioners using condoms.
“What a terrifying medicalised fearful view of sex and life,” he told the programme.
Richard laughed: “I have to say, there speaks the voice of the 1960s. That was absolutely terrific.”
Cosmo shouted: “A great era for sex.”
Richard joked: “Wasn’t it the decade that sex began? That’s what was said at the time, anyway.”
Some viewers weren’t impressed that Richard found the topic amusing.
One said: “Laughing at these condoms will NOT encourage those who need them to buy them! Bunch of children!”
Another said: “Oh joy, we have Richard conducting a segment on sex, let’s see how childish he becomes. I wonder if he will make this story about himself like he normally does with everything. #gmb #goodmorningbritain.”
Someone else added: “Richard Madeley acting and giggling like an absolute child on #GMB when discussing STIs/sex lives of over 65s. It’s such an important topic.”
In those aged over 65, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have doubled in the last decade prompting calls for older generations to use protection.
Earlier this year cases of super gonorrhoea were detected in the UK, with people urged to be on the look out for the illness.
Before the pandemic, cases of syphilis had also increased by 86 per cent in those 65 and over, Public Health England data showed.
Relationship charity, Relate, has teamed up with the The Hornicultural Society to end stigma among older generations when it comes to talking about sex.
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The 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 will be available in six naughty veg themes, including onions, avocado, plums, artichokes, courgette and aubergine.
The free condoms are also sustainable and can be planted in a pot to degrade.
The limited-edition condoms are available from www.relate.org.uk and also in-store at Finchley Nurseries in London.
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