Stephen was a fit and healthy older man. He was sexually functional and had a healthy desire.  The problem for Stephen was that his wife had lost her libido leaving Stephen feeling rejected and unwanted. Stephen’s needs were simple really – just a little hug now and then was all he desired, and he was ready to receive. Listen to Stephen's story to find out how Stephen managed his sexual desire. 

Perry's story is about grief, loneliness, fear and exploring new sexual experiences.  In response to grief and loneliness, Perry was engaging in potentially risky sexual behaviour to counter those emotions. Perry had been extremely fortunate in having a loving long-term same sex partner and living among family and friends who were supportive of their partnership. But since his partner's passing, Perry was out there in the world alone to some degree. Perry was trying to forge a new life but perhaps the grief, loneliness and fear were directing him towards some unwise decisions. 

Victoria’s experience of sexual desire involved living a solitary life with memories of an unhappy marriage and a shared sexual partnership in later life. The partnership had been sexually satisfying until her partner’s deteriorating health had shifted the sexual relationship into one of companionship with occasional intimacies. After her partner’s death, Victoria had been presented with a few opportunities for sexual engagement but the approaches to her had been made by married men. Victoria admitted that she still had sexual urges, but that she would not be interested in becoming too involved with a married man. Instead, she had accepted the life she had chosen to life and in that sense; Victoria had reached a state of satisfaction 

Philip’s narrative highlights the complex interrelationship between loneliness and the need for sexual activity. It is about choices to be sexually active or not and about having autonomy over those choices. 

Philip's story describes self-discipline and respect, self-respect, respect for marriage and respect for the significant woman in Philip’s life. It is also a narrative about risk avoidance – avoiding the risk of loneliness. Yet, as we all know loneliness can be experienced within a relationship. 

Theme's from this episode include resilience, fortitude and search for a better sexual life.