Ita Buttrose to Speak at the Inaugural International ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ Conference

High profile journalist and businesswoman Ita Buttrose will speak at the inaugural international ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ conference in Melbourne in September.

The conference is believed to be the first of its kind and will feature speakers talking about sex, relationships and intimacy as men and women age.

Ms Buttrose will speak about the issues facing older people in continuing to express themselves sexually.

“Many older people encounter barriers in continuing to have fulfilling sex lives. This shouldn’t be happening and it’s time we dealt with the myth that older people don’t have – and enjoy – sex. Sexual intimacy is good for all of us” Ms Buttrose said.

Hosted by Alzheimer’s Australia Vic and COTA Victoria, the conference will challenge the assumptions, taboos and stereotypes that exist about the sexuality of older people.

“The risk of developing dementia increases with age so the topic of sex and people with dementia and the unique challenges that presents will be an important element of the conference agenda,” Ms Buttrose said.

Ms Buttrose, who is National Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Australia, will join other confirmed speakers including Kaz Cooke, Dr Rosie King, Dr Michael Bauer, Adele Horin and Joan Price, the award-winning American author of ‘Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex’.

“There’s no reason men and women shouldn’t be having sex as they age if they want to do so. Of course many are, but for those older people who face challenges in expressing themselves sexually, the conference represents a valuable opportunity to start chipping away at the myths that exist in our community about the sexual needs of older Australians,” Ms Buttrose said.

Click here to find out more about the LTAS conference.