Wrapping up 2009

This year has been very exciting for SageHealth Network. From the broadcast of The Current in January on CBC to the rush of conference presentations in October. I had a very busy fall preparing for 4 conferences and spreading the word of senior sexuality and intimacy.

October 19, I attended the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario Conference. I presented workshops on safer sex over 60 to two enthusiastic groups of administrators, program directors and staff. There was alot of learning and sharing that day. My thanks to the all the staff at the OACAO. I'm glad I had the opportunity to present my work to peers in the field of senior care.

The following Tuesday, October 20, I was a presenter at the Keep on Rockin' Sexuality and Aging Symposium sponsored by the Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community. I presented on my experience implementing a senior speed dating program at St. Paul's L'Amoreaux Centre. I was honoured to be in a lineup of speakers that included two of my heroes in the field of senior sexuality--Dr. Merryn Gott, Professor, Health Sciences, University of Auckland and Peggy Brick, Author and Educator. The impressive list of speakers also included Michael Bauer, Lecturer, La Trobe University; Bill Ryan, Adjunct Professor, McGill University; Devan Nambiar, Education Coordinator, Rainbow Health Ontari. My sincere thanks to the organizers for inviting me and to the conference chairs, A. Paul Williams and Janet M. Lum.

Here is a link to the conference: http://www.ryerson.ca/crncc/sexualityandaging.html

I also presented on the topic of senior speed dating at the OCSA Great Ideas Conference held October 22nd. I talked about the challenges and rewards about implementing a senior speed dating event. Former participants were invited to talk about their experience to the audience. Thank you to Henry, Jenna and Tony for coming to share their stories about Companion Connections.

October 28 I flew to Minneapolis to attend Risky Business, a two day conference sponsored by the Minneapolis Association of Senior Workers. I spoke to about 200 people about The NEW Sex Ed 101:Seniors, Sex and STDs in the 21st Century. I had the audience laughing and enjoying themselves while learning essential tips and techniques for speaking to their older clients about safer sex and health sexuality. I had just enough time after the condom demonstration to rush to the airport to catch the last flight to Toronto! It was a successful event and many thanks to the conference organizers for inviting me. I always welcome every opportunity to speak about sex!