As you continue to navigate the pandemic, find the positivity and be thankful you are alive.
That’s the advice from the legendary Dr. Ruth Westheimer, acclaimed sex therapist, TV show host and prolific author. Dr. Ruth will be speaking at the Phoebe Institute on Aging Conference, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. March 18.
In her keynote address, “Ask Dr. Ruth: Sex, Love, and Loneliness,” Westheimer, 92, will speak live from her Manhattan home in a question-and-answer format, moderated by PBS39’s “Counter Culture” host Grover Silcox.
Those who attend can submit questions to Westheimer about a range of health topics — from sexuality and aging to isolation.
A true trailblazer and a nationally recognized authority on sexuality, Westheimer has spent her career speaking openly and honestly about sex.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Westheimer is a survivor of the Holocaust. She moved to New York in 1956 where she worked for Planned Parenthood. In 1980, she gave a lecture that launched her popular radio talk show “Sexually Speaking,” which aired for 10 years.
She’s also hosted a series of shows on the Lifetime channel and other cable networks from 1984 to 1993 and is the author of 45 books on sex and sexuality. The streaming service Hulu is airing a documentary about her life “Ask Dr. Ruth.”
Today she works at home, still teaching and leading talks. She’s fully vaccinated but still chooses to stick close to home.
“I am very grateful,” Westheimer said. “I can stay in my apartment and I have people to help me. My daughter lives 10 minutes from me and she does the Zoom for me so I don’t have to be nervous.”
For many seniors, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them into isolation. Westheimer said it’s important to look at the positive in your life and find ways to stay connected.
“I realize how fortunate I am that I am still very busy,” she said. “I do understand all the loneliness, not just older people but especially older people.”
Her suggestions: Think of two people you haven’t talked to in a long time and call them. When you’re talking to them, tell them you called because you were thinking of them, ask how they are … and then share with them something optimistic.
“Do something that gives you a little push,” Westheimer said.
Of course, she’s known most for being an authority on sexuality and relationships. She said for those people who are in a good relationship, this time will pass and they can be grateful for the other person in their lives. For those who are alone, make the best of this moment.
“We are in a difficult time but we have to keep our spirits up,” she said.
Along with Westheimer, the event will feature 17 other speakers including Robert Torres, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and Jane Fleishman, presenter of the TEDx Talk “Is it OK for Grandma to Have Sex? Lessons from an Aging Sexuality Educator.” Topics will focus around the age-driven necessities of the baby boomer generation.
The free conference will be hosted through Conference Tracker, a virtual conference platform. Those who register will receive email directions for the login. Registration closes on March 12.
Info, register: phoebe.org/piaconference; events@phoebe.org or 610-794-5152.
Morning Call features reporter Jennifer Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6628 or jennifer.sheehan@mcall.com.
