This was a wonderful piece that covered the area of aging and sexuality weaving together the various age related issues though interviews with professionals and individuals. I especially enjoyed the musical segues and thought they helped the flow of the piece.
Respectful and engaging, this is a topic whose time, given the burgeoning ranks of retiring boomers, has definately come. The subject matter is dealt with directly and sensitively with several charismatic seniors, and a number of experts who talk matter of factly about the potential problems they face in approaching sexual relations. The music is perfect for the piece and conjures up the era in which these folk first found romance; ambient sound is used to great effect, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of nursing homes and the activities that go on there. What is most unsettling in this piece is the attitude of offspring who find their parents abiding sexuality rather insavoury. Makes one ponder the future, especially given the statistic that women outnumber men in nursing homes 10 to 1!
This piece would make an excellent compliment to any other half hour on ageing and retirement; the shorter segments would be a perfect kick-off to a call-in show on ageing too. All round a great piece of radio.
What a great topic!! I thought for sure I would cringe--the way many people do when they think about their parents having sex. But the interviewers/producers constructed the piece so the listener is drawn in and comfortable from the start. It is always interesting and thoughtful. How often do we have engaging, thoughtful discussions on-air about sex let alone about sex when we are 80?
The story addresses the topic from a variety of angles relying upon candid conversations about sex with men and women enjoying their retirement years along with expert interviews inter-dispersed throughout the piece. The producers definitely did their research. The "seniors" interviewed are open, candid and often humorous. They lead the story.
The use of NAT sound was subtle but it added depth. The choice of music was perfect for setting the scene for love 50-60 years ago. The music also allows the listener time to process the context of the piece and maintain that comfort zone.
I’m in my mid-30’s, and it made me think about what my personal life might be like in 40 years. That alone demonstrates the story appeals to a wide demographic.
But most importantly, it illustrates how to be courageous and creative when reporting about “taboo topics”.
This is a great topic, and the piece explores it in a lighthearted and respectful way. The producers found some real gems in their interview subjects, especially the married couple Cy and Alice, the warm and engaging sex therapist Jay Lucowitz, and husky-voiced Frieda, one of the residents in the seniors’ complex. There are some nice verbal details describing things like the food on offer at the seniors’ home, and great ambient sound like the bingo game in progress. The use of music sets an upbeat tone and reminds us of the generation we’re learning about. The experts are informative, articulate, and sympathetic with their senior patients’ sexual concerns.
The beginning is really strong, using some of the strongest quotes that come up later in the piece, but it gets into expert interview a little too soon. I’d have preferred to hear more from the seniors before hearing from the sex therapists. Near the end, the narrator mentions that gay retired couples will soon be residents of senior care homes, but the point doesn’t get developed at all, so it feels kind of token. Overall a really informative piece that was fun to listen to.
Comments for Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
Produced by Todd Melby and Diane Richard
Other pieces by Todd Melby
Rating Summary
5 comments
Laura Friedman
Posted on January 27, 2008 at 08:43 AM | Permalink
Review of Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
This was a wonderful piece that covered the area of aging and sexuality weaving together the various age related issues though interviews with professionals and individuals. I especially enjoyed the musical segues and thought they helped the flow of the piece.
Hey...it gave me hope!!
Helen Woodward
Posted on October 08, 2004 at 10:30 AM | Permalink
Review of Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
Respectful and engaging, this is a topic whose time, given the burgeoning ranks of retiring boomers, has definately come. The subject matter is dealt with directly and sensitively with several charismatic seniors, and a number of experts who talk matter of factly about the potential problems they face in approaching sexual relations. The music is perfect for the piece and conjures up the era in which these folk first found romance; ambient sound is used to great effect, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of nursing homes and the activities that go on there. What is most unsettling in this piece is the attitude of offspring who find their parents abiding sexuality rather insavoury. Makes one ponder the future, especially given the statistic that women outnumber men in nursing homes 10 to 1!
This piece would make an excellent compliment to any other half hour on ageing and retirement; the shorter segments would be a perfect kick-off to a call-in show on ageing too. All round a great piece of radio.
[redacted]
Posted on August 27, 2004 at 06:38 AM | Permalink
Review of Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
Great stuff! Excellent to pair up with the documentary on aging/retirement.
Stasia DeMarco
Posted on August 19, 2004 at 08:07 AM | Permalink
Review of Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
What a great topic!! I thought for sure I would cringe--the way many people do when they think about their parents having sex. But the interviewers/producers constructed the piece so the listener is drawn in and comfortable from the start. It is always interesting and thoughtful. How often do we have engaging, thoughtful discussions on-air about sex let alone about sex when we are 80?
The story addresses the topic from a variety of angles relying upon candid conversations about sex with men and women enjoying their retirement years along with expert interviews inter-dispersed throughout the piece. The producers definitely did their research. The "seniors" interviewed are open, candid and often humorous. They lead the story.
The use of NAT sound was subtle but it added depth. The choice of music was perfect for setting the scene for love 50-60 years ago. The music also allows the listener time to process the context of the piece and maintain that comfort zone.
I’m in my mid-30’s, and it made me think about what my personal life might be like in 40 years. That alone demonstrates the story appeals to a wide demographic.
But most importantly, it illustrates how to be courageous and creative when reporting about “taboo topics”.
Jenn Blair
Posted on August 18, 2004 at 09:11 AM | Permalink
Review of Spirit and Body Willing: Sex Over Age 70
This is a great topic, and the piece explores it in a lighthearted and respectful way. The producers found some real gems in their interview subjects, especially the married couple Cy and Alice, the warm and engaging sex therapist Jay Lucowitz, and husky-voiced Frieda, one of the residents in the seniors’ complex. There are some nice verbal details describing things like the food on offer at the seniors’ home, and great ambient sound like the bingo game in progress. The use of music sets an upbeat tone and reminds us of the generation we’re learning about. The experts are informative, articulate, and sympathetic with their senior patients’ sexual concerns.
The beginning is really strong, using some of the strongest quotes that come up later in the piece, but it gets into expert interview a little too soon. I’d have preferred to hear more from the seniors before hearing from the sex therapists. Near the end, the narrator mentions that gay retired couples will soon be residents of senior care homes, but the point doesn’t get developed at all, so it feels kind of token. Overall a really informative piece that was fun to listen to.