The older population is hungry for learning about what getting older means to them in every facet of their lives: about how their experience of aging can be different from their parents, about how they can stay strong and healthy in body and mind, and about how physical, sexual and emotional intimacy can continue to be a vital part of their lives as long as they desire. This hunger for learning has brought new and abundant media attention to the sexual concerns of older adults. Often this attention comes in the form of pundits speaking at an audience: Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and others provide a ready platform for such speakers on a regular basis. An evening of television seems to invariably include numerous ads for medications to treat erectile dysfunction with the occasional nod towards the enhancement of female pleasure. But older adults also seek this information from, and deserve it to come from, sources they respect and trust.

These adults reach out to health care providers, educators, geriatricians, social workers, religious organizations, and professionals in many other venues where they live, socialize, and receive services. In addition, if diminished capacities result in relocation to continuing care and assisted living facilities, or centers for rehabilitation and long-term nursing care, older adults need skilled individuals available to them who can help them manage their on-going desire for physical closeness and intimacy with respect and understanding, and who, when necessary, can make caring and ethical decisions to protect them when consent is not clear, as well as make accommodations for them when consent is there, but privacy and physical access is limited. At what point in any of our lives do we want physical touch to only come in the form of medical care?

Throughout our lifetimes, touch and pleasure are major contributors to our wellness. But all too often, as we age, touch and pleasure are limited by those who don’t understand this enduring need or whose own discomfort with such issues makes them create barriers rather than bridges to sexual expression. It is essential that the people providing services to older adults be equipped with the skills, resources and sensitivity that will enable them to celebrate the lifelong right to human intimacy.

I am excited to be a part of this new endeavor! Please check out our website and our blog:
http://www.widener.edu/sexualityandaging
http://www.sexualityandaging.com/

A particular interest of mine is HIV and aging. This interest has led to my involvement in O.W.E.L. – Older Women Embracing Life – a network of senior women providing support, education, and prevention training for women and their families infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Their annual conference, Legends and Young’uns, is a joyous celebration of the accomplishments and indomitable spirit of these women. Watch my site for postings of the 2011 event!