The below email was received from COTA NSW (Council of the Ageing), inviting people aged in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond to participate in an anonymous online survey as part of academic research. See below for more information and the link to the survey.
PERMISSION TO SPEAK: Giving older adults a voice in teaching health and aged care providers how to communicate about intimate matters.
Our sexuality changes as we age - but we know that many people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond wish to remain sexually active.
We also know that health conditions and medications can affect sexuality and cause sexual problems. But it can be hard to find reliable, accurate information - especially if it's hard to talk to your health professional!
Alison Rahn - who spoke recently at the COTA NSW 50 Shades of Greying forum - is the lead researcher in a new study funded by the Australian Association of Gerontology. The outcome of this research will be training materials for health professionals to improve their communications skills with older people around sex and sexuality.
Alison is looking for people to participate in an anonymous online survey, which will take between 20 and 30 minutes to answer.
Your participation will be completely anonymous. You don't need to provide your name or any identifying details.
You don't have to participate - but your anonymous participation will help to make sure that health professionals have the skills and tools to have good discussions with older people about sex and sexuality - which is a win for everyone.