Sex and Aging: An Our Bodies Ourselves Conversation
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Our Bodies Ourselves founder Judy Norsigian, organizer and trauma-informed therapist Aida Manduley (virtually), and author, educator, and activist Heather Corinna hosted a frank and lively conversation about sex, sexuality, and getting older.
Panelists Heather Corinna and Judy Norsigian engaged in conversation around topics including:
- What do we, as women and gender-expansive people, expect from sex as we age?
- What are the myths and realities around seniors and sex?
- How do ageism and sexism shape people’s experiences and ideas about sex and aging?
- What part does ableism play in these attitudes and preconceptions?
Panelist Aida Manduley added commentary especially for our remote attendees. The panel then took questions from the in-person and virtual audience. The post-panel discussion included questions about the experience of sex and aging for gender non-conforming, non-binary and trans people, and whether we think about consent in different ways as we get older.
Hosted in partnership with Suffolk University Ford Hall Forum and sponsored by Trader Joe's.
Resources mentioned by the panel include:
Peggy Kleinplatz, “Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers”
Betty Dodson, "Liberating Masturbation." (Judy notes: There is a short excerpt from this 1970s booklet including mention of her fantasy of being amongst a group of 70-90 yr old women. Dodson was interviewed for the wonderful documentary “Passion and Power: The Technology of Orgasm” available to watch on Kanopy or here.)
Also see this excellent website on vulvo-vaginal disorders (that can make sex painful, and this is a problem for many older women).