News Release:
UNE helps over-60s reclaim sexual identity
| Date 25/11/03 No 210/03 By documenting the sex lives of people over 60, a research project at the University of New England will play an important part in reclaiming this age group's sexual identity. "Some people in their 70s and 80s are telling me that their sex lives are more enjoyable now than when they were younger," said the UNE researcher, Samantha Ackling. "This project will be looking at some of the popular misconception, reinforced by the media, suggesting that people somehow lose their sexuality as they age." "Helping people aged over 60 to reclaim their sexual identity will enhance the process of positive ageing within the community," Mrs Ackling said. "Our data will also give health care workers a clearer picture of this aspect of people's behaviour that can continue, throughout their lives, to have an impact on their health and wellbeing." The project builds on a series of UNE studies of sexuality in later life that have been widely reported in the media. To pursue her research, Mrs Ackling plans to talk to people over 60 years of age about their sex lives. "I'll be conducting the interviews by phone, to enable people to be more candid and comfortable," she said. "That way there will no need for them to feel embarrassed in front of the interviewer." People interested in contributing to the project, or who would like more information about it, can call her on (02) 6773 3671.
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The project is, in part, a response to a national study conducted by a group of universities and research centres and published in April this year as The Australian Study of Health Relationships. That study, intended to be representative of all Australians, was based on information from people between the ages of 16 and 59. "They completely ignored a huge age group that is sexually active," Mrs Ackling said. "Those people deserve a voice, and the ones I've spoken to so far in my research have been thrilled to know that older people's sexuality is coming on to the agenda." Professor Victor Minichiello, an international authority on the sexual behaviour of mature-aged adults, is supervising Mrs Ackling's project in UNE's School of Health. Professor Minichiello has been publicly critical of The Australian Study of Health Relationships for its exclusion of people over 60. "That sort of exclusion reflects our whole cultural history, which has labelled sexual activity among older people as either insignificant, inappropriate, or ridiculous," Mrs Ackling said. She explained that part of the problem with previous research had been a focus on sexual intercourse as the defining factor in sexual behaviour. "I'm broadening my approach to include all forms of intimate sexual expression, and how these might have changed (often for the better) over the lifespan," she said. "And I'm not limiting my research to heterosexual relationships. I'm hoping my 'snapshot' will represent a true cross-section of society, including people who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered." Media contact: Samantha Ackling, School of Health, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 3671 or 0413 623 987, or Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 3049. |
