Why does our society assume that older people have no sexuality, and what impact does this assumption have on individuals in the ageing population?

In this episode, we explore the importance of sexual expression among older people, and some of the issues faced by women around sexuality as they age, particularly in aged care services.

I’m joined by Dr Catherine Barrett, a Senior Research Fellow and co-ordinator of a sexual health and ageing program at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, and Delys Sargent, former director of the Social Biology Resources Centre, set up to address issues of sexuality and relationships in health. Delys is 87 years old and was named a Member of the Order of Australia for her work in sexuality education, and for her work with people with disabilities.