Presenter(s):

Jane Simmonds; Nkanyiso Khumalo; Mkandwe Nyirenda, goGOGOgo (RF) NPC, South Africa

Abstract

Background
Sexual health remains an under-addressed component of well-being among older adults, often overlooked due to societal stigma, lack of awareness and insufficient training among healthcare providers in resource-constrained settings. Despite increasing evidence linking sexual activity in later life to improved physical, emotional and cognitive health, older individuals frequently face barriers in accessing relevant information and support. Using materials and tools developed by our partner non-governmental organisation, Realize Canada, through the Sexual Health of Older People (SHOP) initiative, goGOGOgo, seeks to challenge these barriers by promoting informed, inclusive and respectful approaches to sexuality and sexual health in ageing.

Aims and Objectives
The SHOP programme aims to empower adults aged 50 and above by increasing access to accurate sex-related information, encouraging open communication and promoting sexual health as a vital element of healthy ageing. Its core objectives are:
– To raise awareness among older adults and healthcare professionals about the ongoing relevance of sexual health in later life.
– To reduce stigma and create safe spaces for discussion and exploration of sexuality among older adults.
– To address the physical, emotional and relational challenges that may affect sexual well-being in older adults.
– To improve dialogue between older adults and healthcare providers through tailored communication tools and training.
– To contribute to broader community and health system responses that recognise sexual health as a human right at all ages.

Product
SHOP delivers structured, evidence-informed workshops designed for older adults and facilitated by trained community members or professionals. The curriculum is based on participatory learning principles and covers a range of key topics:
– Understanding the impact of age-related changes on sexual function and desire.
– Exploring the concepts of consent, including in contexts of cognitive decline and institutional care.
– Promoting safer sex and addressing the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in older populations.
– Encouraging a broader expression and fulfilment of sexuality, including non-penetrative intimacy and the use of supportive products.
– Strengthening communication skills for conversations with both partners and healthcare providers.
The workshops integrate discussion prompts, real-world scenarios and practical tools to support ongoing learning. They also provide information on where and how to access local resources and specialist services.

Conclusion
By embedding sexual health within broader healthy ageing strategies, the SHOP initiative challenges ageism and supports older adults in leading fulfilling lives. The programme contributes to breaking down long-standing sex-related taboos while fostering a culture of respect, autonomy and inclusion. Through education, dialogue and community partnerships, goGOGOgo affirms the right of older individuals to access comprehensive sexual health information and support to enable them to make empowered choices that enhance their overall well-being. SHOP pilots have demonstrated the value of tailored, community-based interventions in improving sexual health-related quality of life and creating age-positive environments across health and social care systems.
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Bio(s):

Jane Simmonds
Ms Jane Simmonds is a dedicated public health specialist and social activist committed to driving community-level change. She holds a Master of Public Health in Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) from the University of the Witwatersrand. Jane currently works at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and is the Founder and Executive Director of goGOGOgo, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering grandmothers (“gogos”) who are primary caregivers of children.

At the SAMRC, Jane has contributed significantly to public health initiatives. She has worked extensively in the older persons sphere as the project manager for a qualitative study on the polypill to address cardiovascular disease in older persons and a hypertension screening study conducted in social grant queues in collaboration with the MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit.

Through goGOGOgo, Jane leads programmes to promote grandmothers as agents of change improving outcomes for both caregivers and children. Key initiatives include health initiatives for older persons, addressing the “grey divide’ by providing digital technology training and promoting intergenerational conversations related to gender based violence, sexual reproductive health, pregnancy and childcare.

Jane’s work reflects a deep commitment to intergenerational health, education, and empowerment, bridging research and community engagement with lasting social impact.

Nkanyiso Khumalo

Nkanyiso Khumalo is a dynamic Project Manager, Community Development Strategist, and Language Practitioner with over 13 years of experience leading impactful programmes. With academic grounding in linguistics, organisational psychology and public and development management, he brings a multidisciplinary lens to leadership.
He has delivered large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives in early childhood development, elder empowerment, digital literacy and language education. His expertise includes strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, curriculum development and stakeholder engagement. Key projects include Kuyakhanya, iGOGO, GOGOCare and Masikhulume GOGO – programmes that empower grandmothers and communities through education and communication.
Currently Project Manager at goGOGOgo, Nkanyiso oversees Community Play Facilitators, ECD centre owners, service teams and stakeholders under the Kuyakhanya Project. He also supports training development and builds strategic partnerships. Previously, he spent over a decade at Wits Language School coordinating language programmes, mentoring educators and lecturing in communication.
He holds a BA Honours in Linguistics and African Languages (cum laude), a Postgraduate Diploma in Public & Development Management and is completing his Master’s at Wits University. Passionate about social innovation and sustainable development, Nkanyiso thrives in roles that uplift underserved communities and drive lasting impact

Makandwe Nyirenda

Dr. Makandwe Nyirenda is a Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Burden of Disease Research Unit. He is the Acting Head of the Eastern Cape Cancer Registry and previously held the role of Deputy Director within the same unit for 2 years. Dr Nyirenda is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Trained in Demography and Social Statistics, Dr. Nyirenda holds a PhD from the University of Southampton, an MPhil from the University of Cape Town, and a BA in Demography with Economics from the University of Zambia. He holds certificates in Project Management from WITS and the Management Development Programme from Stellenbosch University.
Dr. Nyirenda has over 20 years of health research experience, having contributed to multidisciplinary research projects focused on HIV, non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, and healthy ageing. He has served as principal investigator on the Study on Sexual Health and HIV among Older Persons (SHIOP) and Well-being of Older People Study (WOPS). His academic contributions include editorial roles with PLOS ONE and BMC Geriatrics. Dr Nyirenda has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to book chapters on population health.