BETHEL – “The desire for love and sex never dies, it just changes as you get older,” said Wendy Iseman, who will present a workshop at the Aging Well community conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Crescent Park School.

“Youth culture dominates the media, making it difficult for people to understand that older people are sexual beings, too,” Iseman added.

Iseman said people assume that older adults don’t have an interest in sex and they are wrong. Recent studies by the AARP show that most people over age 50 have a strong interest in sex. Difficulties lie in finding a partner if one is widower or divorced, or if chronic illness interferes with two people having a relationship.

Iseman, who serves as director of public relations and development for Maine Handicapped Skiing at Sunday River, has had much experience working with sexuality issues.

She served as a social worker in New York City for a number of years, working with adults who had chronic lung disease. She said sexuality issues were a big part of a client’s concerns. “Most of the people I worked with were over age 55 and still wanted sex to be part of their lives, even with a chronic illness,” she said.

Iseman has also had an opportunity to discuss sexuality and aging issues with Shirley Zussman, her aunt in New York City, who, at age 91, is still a practicing sex therapist.

Iseman and 12 other speakers will be at the Aging Well conference, co-sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College and SAD 44 Adult Education.

There will also be a number of exhibits to help registrants “find their passion” and a luncheon buffet.

At the conclusion of the conference, names of all attendees will be entered in a drawing for door prizes. Friends from the business community donated the prizes.

Registration is $25 or $20 or senior college members. To register, obtain more information or inquire about scholarships, call the Adult Education Office at 824-2780.