Thanks to everyone at Kensington Place Retirement Residence in Toronto for inviting me to come and present my workshop on The Positive Aging Movement. The workshop discusses self esteem and positive aging for older adults and seniors. We discussed changing attitudes and times, shared personal stories and our greatest achievements, goals for the future, and tips for maintaining good self esteem.
Approximately 30-40 showed up to participate in the workshop and enjoyed activities like writing down personal reflections and coming up with our own affirmations. The audience was wonderful and had a great time. I really enjoyed meeting everyone, hearing their thoughts and learning from their experiences.
Many thanks to Lisa Ludmer for the invitation to come and speak with the residents. And thanks to Zoe Hawkins, my Ryerson summer student, for doing a great job on presenting and facilitating.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Seniors' "in Love" on The Big Screen
Seniors’ “in Love” on The Big Screen
It is so refreshing to see an abundance of movies these days focusing on the love between two older adults. When previously younger love was demonstrably displayed as the normal form of love and what we all seemed to dream of, it would seem that the increase in senior-centric romances are ever present on the big screen lately.
Movies like Cocoon, The Bucket List, The Notebook, Grumpy Old Men, Something’s Gotta Give, Letters to Juliet,Away From Her and my personal favourite, Feast of Love portray romantic and true love between seniors. Movies like this represent the desire of so many of us romantics who want to grow old with our partners and show quite aptly, the negative and positive aspects of aging. A body may be young at the beginning of a marriage or long term relationship, but the friendship, knowledge, respect and acceptance that takes over through time, seems much more desirable. Sex may become challenging, but with age comes a deeper respect for our partner and a new understanding of what “sex” means and can be.
Perhaps this increase is due simply to the demographic changes currently underway in the developed world. However, I would like to think that this change in cinema is occurring because attitudes and ideas towards seniors are becoming all the more positive. The levity of such a change is beyond reproach. With media and societal standards previously flaunting youth as the most desired time of one’s life, having a medium such as film highlighting the optimism, excitement and open mindedness of getting older is absolutely ground breaking.
Whether we find our love in the youth of our lives, the middle or the end, whether we yearn for someone from a distance, whether we were separated from our true love long ago or whether we lost that one person tragically; it doesn’t matter. Love is messy, complex, amazing, life changing, and impervious to age. And to be perfectly honest, as much as I relish my youthfulness, I am very much looking forward to being Allie from the Notebook, Fiona from Away from Her, Esther Stevenson in Feast of Love, or any of the women from Cocoon. The best truly is yet to come.
It is so refreshing to see an abundance of movies these days focusing on the love between two older adults. When previously younger love was demonstrably displayed as the normal form of love and what we all seemed to dream of, it would seem that the increase in senior-centric romances are ever present on the big screen lately.
Movies like Cocoon, The Bucket List, The Notebook, Grumpy Old Men, Something’s Gotta Give, Letters to Juliet,Away From Her and my personal favourite, Feast of Love portray romantic and true love between seniors. Movies like this represent the desire of so many of us romantics who want to grow old with our partners and show quite aptly, the negative and positive aspects of aging. A body may be young at the beginning of a marriage or long term relationship, but the friendship, knowledge, respect and acceptance that takes over through time, seems much more desirable. Sex may become challenging, but with age comes a deeper respect for our partner and a new understanding of what “sex” means and can be.
Perhaps this increase is due simply to the demographic changes currently underway in the developed world. However, I would like to think that this change in cinema is occurring because attitudes and ideas towards seniors are becoming all the more positive. The levity of such a change is beyond reproach. With media and societal standards previously flaunting youth as the most desired time of one’s life, having a medium such as film highlighting the optimism, excitement and open mindedness of getting older is absolutely ground breaking.
Whether we find our love in the youth of our lives, the middle or the end, whether we yearn for someone from a distance, whether we were separated from our true love long ago or whether we lost that one person tragically; it doesn’t matter. Love is messy, complex, amazing, life changing, and impervious to age. And to be perfectly honest, as much as I relish my youthfulness, I am very much looking forward to being Allie from the Notebook, Fiona from Away from Her, Esther Stevenson in Feast of Love, or any of the women from Cocoon. The best truly is yet to come.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Joan Price's Naked at Our Age
Naked At Our Age
By Joan Price
If you are interested in immersing yourself in a book, both eloquently written and with unprecedented insight, Naked at our Age (Seal Press) is for you. Seniors’ Advocate, Joan Price conveys a message of reverent optimism towards sex and sexuality for older adults and seniors. The book explores a variety of subjects such as, chapters on communication, masturbation, sexual exploration and toys, chronic illness and sexuality, grieving and sexuality, dementia and how to deal with sex, and safer sex, Naked at our Age, is the bible of sex for seniors.
Throughout the book, first hand stories of men and women and their experiences with sex and sexuality, offers both positive and negative accounts of being older and maintaining a healthy sexuality and a nurturing sex life. Brutal honesty makes these stories relatable and many times, inspiring. Stories of perseverance, struggle, loss of self that can accompany aging, create a rhetoric that, even at my age, is poignant and brilliant. Price has well researched the varying aspects of senior sexuality and in this, has created a book with uplifting and realistic truths as to what occurs as we age. With informative excerpts from acclaimed senior sexuality experts, Naked at our Age, offers practical advice and relevant commentary on aging and sexuality
One expert noted in the book is SageHealth Network, Executive director, Michele Cauch. Cauch discusses the importance of safer sex, communication, and being responsible.
Joan Price is a life saver for those of us out there who perhaps feel that being older means all aspects of sexuality and sex are gone or lost. This book is a must read for older adults, seniors, caregivers and students in the field of healthcare and aging. It will quite honestly, change how you feel about yourself and ultimately, about your sexual relationship, whether with someone new or your long term partner.
You can get your copy of Naked at our Age bookstores or online at:
http://www.joanprice.com
By Joan Price
If you are interested in immersing yourself in a book, both eloquently written and with unprecedented insight, Naked at our Age (Seal Press) is for you. Seniors’ Advocate, Joan Price conveys a message of reverent optimism towards sex and sexuality for older adults and seniors. The book explores a variety of subjects such as, chapters on communication, masturbation, sexual exploration and toys, chronic illness and sexuality, grieving and sexuality, dementia and how to deal with sex, and safer sex, Naked at our Age, is the bible of sex for seniors.
Throughout the book, first hand stories of men and women and their experiences with sex and sexuality, offers both positive and negative accounts of being older and maintaining a healthy sexuality and a nurturing sex life. Brutal honesty makes these stories relatable and many times, inspiring. Stories of perseverance, struggle, loss of self that can accompany aging, create a rhetoric that, even at my age, is poignant and brilliant. Price has well researched the varying aspects of senior sexuality and in this, has created a book with uplifting and realistic truths as to what occurs as we age. With informative excerpts from acclaimed senior sexuality experts, Naked at our Age, offers practical advice and relevant commentary on aging and sexuality
One expert noted in the book is SageHealth Network, Executive director, Michele Cauch. Cauch discusses the importance of safer sex, communication, and being responsible.
Joan Price is a life saver for those of us out there who perhaps feel that being older means all aspects of sexuality and sex are gone or lost. This book is a must read for older adults, seniors, caregivers and students in the field of healthcare and aging. It will quite honestly, change how you feel about yourself and ultimately, about your sexual relationship, whether with someone new or your long term partner.
You can get your copy of Naked at our Age bookstores or online at:
http://www.joanprice.com
Friday, August 19, 2011
Helen Mirren - Sexy at 66!
What makes someone sexy? Is it perky breasts, skinny thighs, no wrinkles and a youthful appearance? Well, apparently not, because actress Helen Mirren has just won Sexiest Body with 17.65% of the votes...at the age of 66 no less.
Dame Helen Mirren began her television career on the British Series Prime Suspect. However, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Helen built a reputation as a sexy and serious actress in both Shakespearean and experimental theatre. Her career improved with age, as did clearly her physique. Mirren never had a problem expressing sexuality on the big screen, which perhaps had something to do with her uninhibited attitude and personality.
What keeps Helen Mirren looking so good? Well, she credits her taut figure to holding in her tummy. In her words, “holding your tummy is in another trick for making you look and feel good”, adding, “I don’t know why, but I do, by nature, hold my tummy in” (www.huffingtonpost.com). Some of you would be pleased to know that Helen has problem areas too. “Bits of my body are all right, but bits of me are horrible. To be honest, anything from the waist down I don’t really like”
She also adds that “four inch platforms give you great height and make your legs look unbelievably long. I used only to be able to get them in stripper shops, but now you can buy them everywhere – although, unfortunately, that means everyone else has discovered the trick too."
Helen Mirren was up against several younger celebrities for hottest body and consequently blew them out of the water --- Elle MacPherson, Jennifer Lopez and Pippa Middleton. Mirren says that she - “has been blessed with good genes, but also that she loves her WiiFit.” Tony Orme, a Los Angeles-based fitness marketing director , writes that “it’s great to see the public celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes, and proving that you really can look fabulous over 40 and 50” (www.tipsonlifeandlove.com).
I couldn’t agree more. Well done Dame Helen!
By Zoe Hawkins
SageHealth Network
Dame Helen Mirren began her television career on the British Series Prime Suspect. However, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Helen built a reputation as a sexy and serious actress in both Shakespearean and experimental theatre. Her career improved with age, as did clearly her physique. Mirren never had a problem expressing sexuality on the big screen, which perhaps had something to do with her uninhibited attitude and personality.
What keeps Helen Mirren looking so good? Well, she credits her taut figure to holding in her tummy. In her words, “holding your tummy is in another trick for making you look and feel good”, adding, “I don’t know why, but I do, by nature, hold my tummy in” (www.huffingtonpost.com). Some of you would be pleased to know that Helen has problem areas too. “Bits of my body are all right, but bits of me are horrible. To be honest, anything from the waist down I don’t really like”
She also adds that “four inch platforms give you great height and make your legs look unbelievably long. I used only to be able to get them in stripper shops, but now you can buy them everywhere – although, unfortunately, that means everyone else has discovered the trick too."
Helen Mirren was up against several younger celebrities for hottest body and consequently blew them out of the water --- Elle MacPherson, Jennifer Lopez and Pippa Middleton. Mirren says that she - “has been blessed with good genes, but also that she loves her WiiFit.” Tony Orme, a Los Angeles-based fitness marketing director , writes that “it’s great to see the public celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes, and proving that you really can look fabulous over 40 and 50” (www.tipsonlifeandlove.com).
I couldn’t agree more. Well done Dame Helen!
By Zoe Hawkins
SageHealth Network
The 21st Century Identity of AIDS: People Over 50
egpnews, August 12, 2011
The face of AIDS is not the gay, white representation it once was, according to a number of recent studies. The rate of HIV/AIDS infection among African Americans and Latinos has surpassed that of whites and now, according to AARP, 1 in 7 new diagnoses of HIV or AIDS is in a person over the age of 50.
With sexual health so heavily tied to family planning, HIV/AIDS is often seen as a consequence of irresponsible sexual behavior during youth. Add in that many older Americans mistakenly think condoms are only for preventing pregnancies or that a partner over 50 is less likely to have the disease—and it’s not hard to see why older Americans make up the fastest-growing segment of the HIV-positive population.
Of the estimated 1.1 million Americans with HIV, some 407,000 are over 50; by 2017, half of the total HIV-positive population will be over 50, AARP reported in the July/August 2011 issue of “AARP The Magazine.” Latino women make up 20 percent of all women diagnosed with HIV; 5.5 percent are aged 55 years or older.
Though HIV/AIDS is, in many cases, a manageable chronic disease, over thirty years after the first diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, the virus is still deadly, especially for those who don’t get tested in time and go untreated, says Dr. Jane L. Delgado, president of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
According to a study in the journal Aids Care, Latinos are already more likely to test late for HIV infection compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, making them more susceptible to contacting full blown AIDS, which is less manageable and more likely to lead to death than HIV.
So regardless of age, “if you’re thinking of becoming sexually active or changing partners, you need to get screened,” says Vanessa Cullins, M.D.
“It might not occur to most doctors to ask older patients about sex or to offer sexual health screenings so you’ll often have to bring it up,” says Laura Berman, Ph.D., professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “You have to advocate for your own sexual health. Getting tested, and making sure your partner does the same, is one way to do that.”
Original link: http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/2011/people%20over%2050.html
The face of AIDS is not the gay, white representation it once was, according to a number of recent studies. The rate of HIV/AIDS infection among African Americans and Latinos has surpassed that of whites and now, according to AARP, 1 in 7 new diagnoses of HIV or AIDS is in a person over the age of 50.
With sexual health so heavily tied to family planning, HIV/AIDS is often seen as a consequence of irresponsible sexual behavior during youth. Add in that many older Americans mistakenly think condoms are only for preventing pregnancies or that a partner over 50 is less likely to have the disease—and it’s not hard to see why older Americans make up the fastest-growing segment of the HIV-positive population.
Of the estimated 1.1 million Americans with HIV, some 407,000 are over 50; by 2017, half of the total HIV-positive population will be over 50, AARP reported in the July/August 2011 issue of “AARP The Magazine.” Latino women make up 20 percent of all women diagnosed with HIV; 5.5 percent are aged 55 years or older.
Though HIV/AIDS is, in many cases, a manageable chronic disease, over thirty years after the first diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, the virus is still deadly, especially for those who don’t get tested in time and go untreated, says Dr. Jane L. Delgado, president of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
According to a study in the journal Aids Care, Latinos are already more likely to test late for HIV infection compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, making them more susceptible to contacting full blown AIDS, which is less manageable and more likely to lead to death than HIV.
So regardless of age, “if you’re thinking of becoming sexually active or changing partners, you need to get screened,” says Vanessa Cullins, M.D.
“It might not occur to most doctors to ask older patients about sex or to offer sexual health screenings so you’ll often have to bring it up,” says Laura Berman, Ph.D., professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “You have to advocate for your own sexual health. Getting tested, and making sure your partner does the same, is one way to do that.”
Original link: http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/2011/people%20over%2050.html
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