OUR MISSION

SageHealth Network is dedicated to promoting the sexual health, socialization and positive aging of older adults and seniors. We offer unique health promotion workshops and social events focusing on older adults and seniors' needs and overall wellbeing.




Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Seniors' Dating in the New Millennium

For Immediate Release
August 18, 2009

Seniors' Dating in the New Millennium

(Scarborough, ON): Due to overwhelming success, St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre will host another Companion Connections, a social networking event designed for adults 55 years and older on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 pm. A city-wide event, Companion Connections is a unique social event that allows older adults and seniors to meet new people, expand their social network, and make social connections.

As people get older, it becomes more challenging for them to expand their social networks and meet new people. This is especially true for individuals who are widowed, divorced, or isolated. Companion Connections is a fun, relaxed, and safe environment in which participants can meet up to 20 other single seniors in one day.

Companion Connections is modeled on a typical speed dating framework in which participants are given time to get to know each other in a relaxed conversation. Icebreaker questions are available for those who are nervous or shy. Men rotate seats every 6 minutes while women remain seated. If an individual is interested in their conversation partner, he or she will check off the person’s name on their score sheet. Contact information will only be given if both parties have checked off each other’s name. Our April event was successful with 21 matches being made.

St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre’s Executive Director, Larry Burke, acknowledges the need for such programs in facilitating friendships for this audience. “The success of our first Companion Connections program demonstrates the need for these socialization opportunities for older adults and seniors.”

Companion Connections is a collaboration among several community agencies and seniors’ centres across the GTA. Partners include West Hill Community Services, Harmony Hall, North York Seniors Centre, Premier Home Care Services, Scarborough Support Services, and Revera Living. Participants are eligible to win several door prizes and will receive goody bags to take home. Steeles Deli Restaurant in Thornhill, Ontario, a long time supporter of St. Paul’s, will once again provide refreshments for participants.

Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. St. Paul’s will not be reserving spaces. The last day to register for this event is Friday, August 28, 2009.

For more information, please call 416-493-3333 ext 271 visit our website at www.splc.ca

About St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre
St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre provides community services and housing to older adults and seniors. Our vision is to provide a services and housing environment for seniors that allows them to live independently in their community with wellness and dignity and to provide this environment regardless of language, culture or ability to pay.

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Octegenarians heat up the dancefloor

Here are two links to women who are dancing into their 80s. These women are truly inspirational to people of all ages. And there's the role model piece, "if she can do it, so can I."

The first link is to a woman named Sarah Jones, also known as Paddy Jones. Although some youtube posts claim she's 87, she's a 75 year old salsa dancer who's been dazzling viewers all over the world with her sexy, classical moves on the dancefloor. Watch Sarah and her salsa partner, Nico, heat up the floor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkHvRCp3z5A&feature=related

Dorothy Dale Kloss is an amazing woman. She's gorgeous, she's in great shape and she still dances at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. At 85 years old, she's the world's oldest showgirl. Physical activity, healthy eating, taking care of one's whole health is the key to not only long life, but living well longer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkHvRCp3z5A&feature=related

To watch the video on Dorothy, click here:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/articles/Dorothy_Dale_Kloss_Oldest_Showgirl_in_the_World.html


To learn more about the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, click here:
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/reinventing/articles/fabulous_palm_springs_follies_is_still_kicking.html

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Like a fine wine, sex life improves with age

This survey on sexual lifestyles in 50+ population was sponsored by Eli Lilly. The perspective focuses on erectile dysfunction. It discusses how older adults and seniors are sexually satisfied, how many engage in risky behaviours and sexually adventurous activities. No where in the study is sexually transmitted infections mentioned which is a shocking omission.

With 41% of respondents stating they are sexually adventurous, it is unbelievable and unconscionable to leave out the importance of safer sex practices. But then Eli Lilly, makers of Cialis, would not be concerned about consequences of unprotected sexual activity.

I stated in the CBC's Sex and Seniors documentary, that pharamaceutical companies must do more to educate their older adult and senior patients on safer sex practices. The Cialis website has a link to a 5 page info sheet on "Patient Information." Page two indicates, "CIALIS does not protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to your healthcare provider about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases."

If Eli Lilly wanted to do more inthe way of corporate social responsibility, they should consider an ad campaign advocating the joys of senior sexuality AND safer sex practices in this population.

MCauch
SageHealth Network
August 8, 2009

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The Globe and Mail
Report on Business
July 23, 2009

But sex and aging can raise new concerns for couples

TORONTO, July 23 /CNW/ - Many Canadians 50+ are finding that changes to their lifestyle are having a positive impact on their sex life, confessing they are more sexually adventurous, frisky or ferocious in bed. The 50+ crowd admits that the newfound freedom in their lives - as their nests become empty, they enter retirement, and some focus on new relationships - has had a positive impact on their sex life. Yet, despite these positive changes, many are concerned about how aging may lead to sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and the impact it may have on their sex life.

A national survey of Canadians 50+ reveals the sexual attitudes of this aging population. The survey showed that Canadians 50+ are gaining a new lease on life and returning to the spontaneity and intimacy enjoyed earlier in their relationships. In fact, key survey findings showed that among Canadians 50+:


<<
- 41 per cent stated they were sexually adventurous;(1)
- 40 per cent said they were frisky;(1)
- 16 per cent consider themselves ferocious in bed;(1)
- Close to half (45%) stated that their sexual inhibitions have
decreased since they turned 50;(1)
- More than one quarter (27%) stated the quality of their sex life has
improved since they turned 50;(1) and
- Close to half (49%) say that they are satisfied sexually.(1)
>>

"With retirement fast approaching and with sex having fewer taboos than for previous generations, what's not to celebrate about being over 50?" says Dr. David McKenzie, Couples and Sex Therapist in Vancouver. "Reducing stress and having a long-term connection with your partner can greatly contribute towards a more emotionally satisfying relationship as well as a more rewarding sex life."


Spontaneity: Keeping things interesting in the bedroom


Spontaneity is important to the sex life of Canadians 50+, according to almost three quarters of respondents, and over half wish that their sex life was more spontaneous.(1) However, there are concerns as the 50+ think about how sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), will impact the spontaneity of their sex life as they age. Specifically, one quarter admitted that they or their partner has experienced erectile dysfunction and that it has a negative impact on their sex life.(1) Sexual issues such as experiencing erection difficulties can impact spontaneity in relationships as partners can become frustrated, embarrassed or anxious which, in turn, inhibits the ability for the man to maintain his erection.(2)

"If men and their partners are concerned about achieving and maintaining an erection, they should know that it is a very common medical condition that affects more than a third of Canadian men," says Dr. Gerald Brock, Professor of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Western Ontario. "Furthermore, experiencing difficulty with erections doesn't have to mean the end of spontaneous intimacy, and many treatment options are available that can give couples the freedom they desire and help to ensure an active and healthy sex life as they age, with great success. The really important message, for the literally tens of thousands of Canadian couples affected with sexual dysfunction, is to speak to their healthcare professional for information and understand their treatment options."

The national online survey was conducted by Leger Marketing using Leger Marketing's Web panel between April 14th and April 20th, 2009. It was sponsored by Eli Lilly Canada Inc. The survey interviewed a total of 1,510 respondents who were Canadian adults, 18 years of age and older. Of those 1,510 respondents, 494 were over the age of 50. Using a national random sample of 1,510 respondents from Leger Marketing's Web panel, this method simulates a probability sample that would yield a maximum margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The margin of error among the 494 respondents over the age of 50 is +/-4.4%, 19 times out of 20.


About Lilly

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Eli Lilly Canada, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, employs close to 700 people across the country. Additional information about Eli Lilly Canada can be found at www.lilly.ca.


To see original link: http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/CNW.20090723.C8037/GIStory

Thursday, August 6, 2009

CBC Radio The Current Rebroadcasts Sex and Seniors August 6, 2009

CBC Radio show, The Current, rebroadcasts Sex & Seniors Documentary on August 6, 2009
Sex & Seniors Documentary

Across Canada, seniors are staying healthier and living longer. Add drugs such as Viagra to the mix and it's no surprise that they're more sexually active, too. But that can create problems. HIV infections among seniors are on the rise. The rate of HIV infections among Canadians over fifty has doubled in the past ten years.

The rates of other sexually transmitted diseases are also increasing. And with the number of seniors expected to double over the next 40 years, that's a significant public health challenge ... especially since sex among seniors is still something of a taboo subject.

Susan Bell is a freelance documentary producer based in Montreal. She spent some time with one senior citizen who is on a quest to find a boyfriend. Her documentary is called Faith's Journey and it first aired on The Current in January.

Phizer, the drug company behind Viagra, does not sponsor a safe-sex campaign specifically targeting seniors. But it does fund a group called the Canadian Male Sexual Health Council.

Eli Lily, the makers of Cialis, does not fund an educational campaign targeting seniors. But the company says that anyone who wants to is free to apply for funding through its grants and donations division. And as for Iris ... her HIV test came back negative.

To listen to the full broadcast, click: http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2009/200908/20090806.html