Dr Nathalie Huitema Blog

For a long time, mainstream media portrayed older adults as asexual beings, perpetuating the myth that they are either uninterested in intimacy or should not

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with growth, challenges, and meaningful connections. It’s been a privilege to

In conversations about aging and dementia, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like sexual consent, the focus tends to fall on what’s been lost—cognitive

One key part of being human that often gets overlooked in clinical settings is our ability to feel love, intimacy, and sexuality—even when facing cognitive

Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human experience, yet societal norms often impose restrictive views on what is considered appropriate sexual behavior for older adults.

A fundamental aspect of human experience that often goes unrecognized in clinical settings is the capacity for love, intimacy, and sexuality, even in the face

In terms of sexual rights and autonomy, older persons, particularly those with cognitive impairment or dementia and in need of care, frequently find themselves at

As we journey through the complicated landscape of aging and dementia, certain topics may trigger discomfort, and discussions surrounding sexual expression in older adults with

As people age, an increasing number of older adults populate our country. Consequently, more older adults find themselves in long-term care facilities, where they can

Sexuality is an important aspect of human life and is integral to our overall wellbeing, regardless of age.  However, it is often overlooked or ignored

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a profoundly disheartening revelation surfaced: the plight faced by elderly residents of nursing homes and care facilities. With

As people age, their sexual needs and desires may not diminish. However, long-term care facilities often fail to recognize the importance of addressing sexuality in

As our society ages, conversations around sexuality in senior care are becoming more important. Many seniors still have sexual desires and needs, yet these are

As we dive into the vibrant and inclusive month of Pride, it is essential to recognize and honor the contributions and experiences of individuals from

As humans, we all have a natural need for touch, also known as skin hunger. This need is not limited to babies and young children,

The #MeToo movement has brought the issue of sexual consent to the forefront of public discourse in recent years. It has sparked conversations about the

When you ask someone to answer the question: “What is sexuality?”, it is typically difficult for them to answer. Some individuals could relate relationships and

Moving is a huge life event. People are leaving a place that they consider to be “home.” A home where they felt comfortable and safe.

Three types of sexual expression can be distinguished: erotic, romantic, and acts of affection. The staff becomes more uneasy as the behavior becomes more intimate.

Most older adults are engaged in intimate relationships and can maintain them throughout their lives. Research shows that the frequency of sexual activity by older

The ability to express intimate and sexual behavior increases general health and quality of life for all people, including older adults, which is a well-known

Several things play a role in the problematization of sexuality in memory care/senior care. One of them is that memory care and elderly care, in

There are several myths and sayings in relation to sexuality and aging in our current society, such as ‘you can’t fire up an old engine’,