The event is open to all clients of service centres, senior centres and service homes, as well as informal care families and those working in the field. It was inspired by client feedback requesting an event on sexuality aimed at older people.
The official patron of the event is Research Professor Osmo Kontula. Kontula is a renowned Finnish sexual health expert whose life's work has significantly increased our understanding of sexuality in older people as well.
– This topic has been very important to me for a long time. I am really delighted that such an event is being organised. I look forward to having some great discussions with the participants. Now is the time to pluck up your courage and come along, Kontula encourages.
A wide range of topics from sexual health to dating profiles
– Through this event, we want to show that sexuality, eroticism and romance are also part of ageing well, says Director of Senior Centres Maritta Haavisto.
The day's programme consists of expert lectures, various presentations and workshops. There will be information sessions on sexuality and memory disorders, a dating profile workshop, a burlesque show and a photo exhibition, among other things. The event will follow safer space principles.
– We have organised the day’s programme to take into account the diversity of our clients, says project worker Hanne Vartiainen, who is organising the event.
The organisers have developed a special intensity scale for the event programme, which visitors can use to choose the programme that suits them best. The more chillies there are, the spicier the topics covered in the programme will be. However, there will be no nudity at the fair.
– Everyone can follow the programme that they are comfortable with. Participation is completely voluntary for everyone, Vartiainen points out.
It is important to talk about sexuality
Ageing changes a person's body, functional capacity and sometimes even the nature of their relationship, from love to care. However, the need for touch and intimacy does not go away.
– It is extremely important for people to feel and experience that someone accepts them as they are, considers their needs and cares for them. Age does not change these needs, Kontula emphasises.
People may find older people's sexuality to be a difficult topic. This is precisely why Kontula encourages people to talk about it.
– The more difficult a topic feels, the more we need to talk about it. Sexuality, physical intimacy and love are always important to people, whatever their age. I hope that the event will inspire participants to find the courage to speak about what is on their minds.
This is the first time that the event is being held. The future of the event will be decided based on visitor feedback.
