"This is the first time I have seen this website and its fabulous with everything in one place.
Thank you for everything you do to make our work easier." Email from a residential aged care manager,
About the OPAL Institute
The OPAL (Older People And SexuaLity) Institute was launched in 2016 to promote of the sexual rights of older people. The Institute develops resources, conducts research, disseminates information, empowers older people and service providers, and advocates for change. On this website you will find five key sections that will be built on over time:
The OPAL Institute was Founded by Dr Catherine Barrett, a long time advocate for the sexual rights of older people (read more about Catherine's expertise on our About page). As Director Catherine works with an Executive Team of 15 older people who shape the approach taken and the work undertaken.
- About: read more about the Founder, the Team and the approach
- Rights: a declaration of the sexual rights of older people
- Topic: a series of pages about topics relating to sexUALITY
- Tools: a set of tools for service providers and organisations
- Events: latest information about education, presentations and other events
- Contact: how to contact us
The OPAL Institute was Founded by Dr Catherine Barrett, a long time advocate for the sexual rights of older people (read more about Catherine's expertise on our About page). As Director Catherine works with an Executive Team of 15 older people who shape the approach taken and the work undertaken.
News
Monday 25th November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and we will be launching a new project called #InHerShoes - click link here.
sexUALITY
The OPAL Institute gets a lot of feedback from Elders that the focus on their sexuality is often reductionistic. In particular, that conversations about sexuality often default to a limited focus on sex. Sex is an important part of sexuality - but not the sum total. Sexuality also includes intimacy, touch, pleasure, body image, self esteem, sexual pleasure ... and much more.
In the media
Thanks to all the journalists who have covered our work - and have helped to raise awareness of the importance of older people's sexual rights:
- ABC Radio National (14/4/19).The sexual abuse scandal nobody is talking about. Anne Connolly
- ABC The Drum (11/4/19): here
- ABC News (11/4/19). Family launches legal action over Bupa nursing home sex attack (link)
- Life Matters (9/11/18): Sex and The Senior - what does intimacy look like when you grow old (link)
- The Australian Newspaper (9/6/18): He probably thought I'd just keep my mouth shut (link)
- Senior's Rights Victoria (13/4/18): The Power project: older women and sexual abuse (link)
- Wendy Searle. Its not your shame. here
- HelloCare. 94-Year-Old Sexual Assault Victim Encourages Others To Speak Out. here
- Starts at 60. Listen to older women’: 96-year-old sexual assault victim’s powerful plea: here
- HelloCare. SheToo Campaign – 96 Year Old Margarita Launches Campaign Focusing On Listening To Older Women: here
- ABC RN podcast (6/12/16): Late life sex (here)
- ABC News Melbourne (6/12/16): Sex and ageing. Older people tell us what they really think (link)
- OMNY FM (1/11/16): Is it ever too late to do the deed (link)
- DPS Publications (July 2016): sexUALITY, ageing and the OPAL Institute in July, check it out here
- The New Daily (16/10/16): How old is too old for sex? (here)
- ABC Melbourne (12/10/16). Reboot your life. How old is too old to have sex? (here)
- ABC News (2/8/16): The seniors leading Australia's sexual revolution (here)
- Aged Care Guide (2106): Sex past seventy. Aren't you too old for that sort of stuff (here)
- Australian Ageing Agenda (16/5/16): Sexuality, older people and the power of service providers (link)
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Contact usFor more information contact the Director of the OPAL Institute:
Dr Catherine Barrett Director, Celebrate Ageing Director, OPAL Institute Phone: 0429 582 237 Email: director@celebrateageing.com |
Celebrate Ageing
The OPAL Institute is part of the Celebrate Ageing Program, which aims to challenge ageism and build respect for older people. Read more about the Celebrate Ageing Program at our website: celebrateageing.com
The image used on the header of each page is a representation of sexuality and ageing drawn by an 86 year old woman.
(c) 2016 OPAL Institute, part of the Celebrate Ageing Program
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to
land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to
land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
