Global Ageing Network Board Member, Dan Levitt, interviewed Dr. Ruth on the secret for a long and healthy life. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, commonly known as Dr. Ruth, is known for her frank opinions and advice around sex. At 89 years of age, she has interviewed thousands of people about their sex lives and has published 40 books on a variety of topics about sex and sexuality. Her media career began in 1980 with the radio show and she continues to educate and speak to audiences of all ages about relationships.

Dr. Ruth shared her growth from an immigrant to a renowned psychosexual therapist with Dan Levitt, the Executive Director of Tabor Village and an adjunct professor of gerontology at Simon Fraser University. She states that it is important to “know your limitations” as you get older and to take responsibility for your personal finances and health. She continues to have a positive attitude and “knows from a lifetime of risk and reward that life is that much richer when you take calculated risks.” She is active in her community and among numerous charities and encourages seniors to remain active and participate in numerous activities to maintain motivation in old age. In her book, “Sex over 50: Revving up the Romance, Passion & Excitement,” she addresses the fact that older people have needs as much as those of a younger age and encourages providers to consider the importance of facilitating relationships among seniors.

No doubt that Dr. Ruth’s greatest legacy will be teaching people to live a life full of joie de vivre.

Read the Full Article Here: Opinion: Is joie de vivre the secret to a long and healthy life? | Vancouver Sun