Never being in love . . .

"One of the best parts of growing older? You can flirt all you like since you've become harmless." - Liz Smith (Journalist)
I like this quote because I'm pretty certian it's a thought that nearly everyone has had at some point about when old people flirt, it makes me chuckle.

I'm pretty glad there are videos like this at the vast majority's disposal because, as I've learned, the topic of sex and old age is pretty overlooked in society. This video, with an attempt at humor, is fairly informative and gives a good glimpse at the basics of the issue.

The discussions about sex and intimacy in old age seemed to be conducted with an air of raunch, as if my classmates had the idea that the same "hook-up" culture that's prevalent on college campuses would also be present in nursing homes. However, my impression of the information about the subject was deeper than just a lust for flesh.

The subject of love and sex among the elderly is one that has been swiftly swept under the rug. I see that as a problem since most remain active. Any senior citizens that lived their life sans sex ed. (which is most) will inevitably remain ignorant of the ins and outs of the way a body works and the issues of sex and especially of safe sex. This has so much to do with the high rates of STDs among the elderly that I can't believe no actions have been taken to prevent the perpetuation of ignorance and spread of STDs. It's not a matter of condoning any sexual practice or other, it's a practical matter of educating people who need the knowledge.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/14/nyregion/14sex.html
This is an article in the New Yoork Times about giving sex education in a nursing home and the issues addressed and why.

For info about STDs run rampant among the elderly, click here : http://std.about.com/od/stdsspecificcommunities/a/elderlystd.htm

For info about homosexuality among the elderly, click here : http://gaylife.about.com/b/2006/06/12/mature-gays-find-solace-in-gay-nursing-home.htm