
Reclaiming Pleasure: Aging, Advocacy, and Intersectional Sexual Justice
Sex Advice for Seniors PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of Sex Advice for Seniors, I sat down with Marie Morice, whom I have met in real life! She’s a clinical sexologist and advocate for sexual health, and we spoke about the importance of sexual justice and its intersection with ageing, pleasure, and health. With World Sexual Health Day as a backdrop, we explore the theme of sexual justice—ensuring everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability, has access to sexual health, autonomy, and pleasure. Marie shares her insights on societal stigmas around older adults’ sexuality, the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with disabilities, and the critical need for intersectionality in sexual health advocacy. We also discuss the impact of climate change on women’s reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and the harmful chemicals present in intimate products. Marie has recently designed Pleasure Atelier workshops, to help midlife and older women reclaim their relationship with pleasure and wellness, introducing them to innovative sex toys and emphasising the importance of embracing fun and pleasure in everyday life. For more information, visit Marie’s work at the Women’s Environmental Network or join her Pleasure Atelier workshops. 00:00 Introduction to Sexual Health and Justice 02:45 Understanding Sexual Justice 05:54 Barriers to Sexual Health for Older Adults 08:44 Cultural Perspectives on Sexual Health 11:28 The Impact of Climate Change on Sexual Health 14:16 Access to Sexual Health Services 17:08 The Role of Pleasure in Sexual Health 19:43 Advocacy for Women’s Health Products 22:42 The Pleasure Atelier and Reclaiming Pleasure Hi, I’m Suzanne, author of the bestseller ‘The Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick Maker: An Erotic Memoir,’ pleasure seeker and curious about ways to improve our intimate relationships as we age. Each week, I delve into a different aspects of sex, dating and relationships with an expert which I bring to you via the Sex Advice for Seniors podcast. Once a week, I write or invite a guest to write a more personal story, which could be in the form of an erotic experience, a sex toy review or perhaps a new perspective, typically behind a paywall. Alongside this Substack, I advocate for the right to sexual pleasure in later life through speaking engagements, attending conferences and other events, which your subscription helps to pay me to attend. Being a subscriber has multiple benefits for you: * Receive my book, ‘Sex Toys & Supplements for Thriving in Later Life’ * Join my private chat where you can ask questions of a personal nature * Helping to contribute to the conversation around sex and sexual health in later life I’m grateful for each and every subscriber that pays £6.99 or £49.99 per year so do consider taking a subscription if you have the means to do so. Thousands of people are saying, I’m so grateful Suzanne has taken on one of the big taboos because I wouldn’t have the confidence to do it. If you’d like to support me talking about sexual pleasure in later life, hit subscribe.
Hey, but don’t take it from me. Here’s what others say about Sex Advice for Seniors: “Not enough older voices talking about sex. Are we just supposed to dry up and fade away?” “I enjoy staying abreast of new ideas and learning new ways to please my wife.” “Straight non judgmental information that relates to my needs.”
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More from Sex Advice for Seniors Podcast
What I Discussed With Caroline Hood - Why couples need to stay connected as lovers as well as parents. - How motherhood can affect desire, identity and intimacy. - Why women's desire may not disappear but simply get pushed aside. - What happens when you're "touched out" from caregiving. - How ageing and changing bodies can affect sexual confidence. - Why communication matters when a couple's sexual dynamic changes. - How women can reconnect with their sexual selves.
What I Discussed With Gaylen Wilson - How erectile dysfunction changed Gaylen's sex life and marriage. - Why he believes men should take ED seriously rather than ignore it. - How couples can stay connected when erections become unreliable. - Why intimacy doesn't have to be centred around performance. - How shame and withdrawal can damage relationships. - The connection between ED, attachment and fight-or-flight. - How Gaylen and Heather developed the Monument Method. - Why lifestyle, fitness and overall health still matter.
What I Discussed With Rockne O'Leary - How fitness can affect sexual performance, confidence and overall health. - Why strength training and consistency become even more important as we age. - How to start exercising again when you've been out of the gym for years. - The connection between fitness, stress, lifestyle and sexual health. - Why men need places where they can talk honestly about relationships and life. - How Rockne's men's group is trying to create a space without judgment, including eventually bringing younger and older men together.
What I Discussed With Dr. Maria Sophocles - Why sexual burnout can happen in midlife. - What menopause changes physically and sexually. - Vaginal estrogen and why it can help. - Spontaneous vs. receptive desire. - The five M's for reconnecting with sexuality. - Testosterone, “scream cream” and newer treatments for female sexual arousal. - How GLP-1 medications may affect libido and sexual health. - Practical ways to reconnect with sex and pleasure.
What I Discussed With Dr. Justin Lehmiller - How men's sexual health and desire can change as they get older. - Why erectile difficulties become more common with age and where Viagra fits in. - Why sex toys can be useful for men and how to choose the right kind of stimulation. - How to introduce sex toys into a relationship without making things awkward. - What penis pumps can do for erectile difficulties and sexual function. - Why masturbation and orgasm may have benefits beyond sexual pleasure.