Nathalie Huitema

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 decline, confusion, and the inability to remember or communicate as before. While these challenges are undeniably real, there’s another side that often goes unnoticed: what still remains. This is where […]

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 decline like dementia. Many people wrongly think that cognitive decline means you can’t give sexual consent. This stems from the belief that sexuality requires high cognitive functioning. But, studies show

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. Many people in Western society believe that older adults should not be sexual, viewing it as unbecoming, disgraceful, or just plain gross. For older adults, being openly flirtatious or sexy

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 of cognitive decline such as that seen in dementia. It is a common misconception that cognitive decline equals the inability to consent. This is usually related to the idea that

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 the crossroads of legal and biomedical frameworks that do not meet their requirements. The healthcare system faces issues in providing enough support and protection to this vulnerable demographic. In the

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 dementia often fall into that category. The discomfort that may arise when we think about the sexual expression of older adults with dementia is a product of societal norms and

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 receive the support, they need to maintain their quality of life. Being admitted to long-term care does not negate the sexual needs of the older adult. Unfortunately, only a few

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 when it comes to discussing the health and wellbeing of older adults. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in promoting sexual health, yet many do not talk about sexuality with

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 the entire globe grappling with the virus, the measures undertaken to stem its spread inadvertently led to a stark deficiency in interpersonal connections for these vulnerable individuals. It was undeniably

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 the lives of their residents. This can lead to a lack of understanding and support for older adults’ sexual health and well-being. Staff training in sexuality can help bridge this

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 often overlooked or ignored in the care system. It is crucial for caregivers to understand the importance of discussing sexuality with seniors to ensure they receive the best possible care

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 all walks of life. While we often associate the LGBTQ+ community with youth, it is crucial not to overlook the valuable wisdom and history that older adults bring to this

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, but also extends to older adults. In fact, touch is just as important for the elderly as it is for infants, and it offers a range of physical, emotional, and

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 complex topic of sexual consent and highlighted the importance of obtaining explicit and affirmative consent in all sexual encounters. However, as we age, sexual consent becomes increasingly difficult, and this

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 love to sexuality. Others consider having children, having infants, and birth control. And some people could link sexuality to trauma, the law, or religion. Despite the fact that they are

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. In addition, some people have been living in the neighborhood for a long time and have made friends there. This means that people are not only leaving a house but

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. Showing love and care is typically seen as cute and lovely by staff and family and will therefore be viewed as appropriate behavior. Staff members’ reactions to romantic behavior vary,

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 adults was similar to that among adults aged 18-59 years. This finding indicates that the frequency of sexual activity does not decrease significantly with age. Interestingly, there is a lower