North York Seniors Talk about Safe Sex

Michele Cauch
SageHealth Network
September 4, 2007

The curious and intrigued filed into the synagogue at the Bernard Betel Centre in North York last Thursday. The NEW Sex Over Sixty was advertised as a “women only” workshop, much to the chagrin of a handful of older men who also came out. Unfortunately, they were asked to leave to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the female participants to speak freely and openly. They all came to hear the speaker talk about senior sexuality, more specifically safe sex over sixty.

Although it still may be hard for some to believe, seniors need to be aware of sexual health risks. The fact is seniors are having sex and they’re at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. It’s essential to raise awareness of sexual health dangers that may affect seniors, give them information that could protect themselves and help them make better informed decisions about their health.

The presentation was informative, fun and full of questions from the participants. The goals of the workshop were to introduce seniors to sexual health risks, learn ways of communicating about safe sex and help participants become advocates of their own sexuality. The workshop dispelled some of the myths about sexually transmitted infections and myths about senior sexuality.

Even if people attending these workshops are not sexually active, they should still know about sexual health risks. This is just more information in their arsenal of personal knowledge when talking with friends, children and even grandchildren. All information is valuable and we all know that age is never protection against disease.

The feedback from the participants was very positive and the presentation was enthusiastically received. Comments ranged from, “I learned a lot so I can pass it on to others,” “very informative with a sense of lightness,” and “cutting edge presentation.”

Plans are underway to offer another workshop, one of which will be a sexual health presentation geared to a co-ed group where both men and women are welcome to come learn new information and share their thoughts and concerns on elder sexuality.

Thank you to the Bernard Betel Centre for hosting The New Sex Over Sixty workshop and all the wonderful participants who shared their thoughts, questions and wisdom.