Longing for: Exploring intimacy and sexual expression in care homes with female residents and care staff through design research

While societal attitudes (in the global north) toward female sexuality are becoming more positive, intimacy and sexual expression in later life remain uncomfortable topics—particularly for care practitioners and design researchers. The taboo surrounding intimacy in older age is rooted in the belief that sexual health is irrelevant or inappropriate to address, especially for adults with high care needs. However, feelings of desire, intimacy, or the longing for touch do not simply disappear after a certain age. 

This research is part of a joint PhD between KU Leuven (Belgium) and The University of Edinburgh (UK), aiming to challenge sexual ageism in care homes. Furthermore, the research will develop playful tools that enable female residents and care staff to explore the sensitive topic of intimacy. Adopting a research-through-design approach, this study employs participatory and action-oriented methods to design alternative ways of communicating and engaging with female sexuality in care settings. 

Through case studies in Flanders and Scotland, design is not positioned as a solutionist paradigm but as a tool to navigate awkwardness, contradictions, and vulnerability when discussing intimacy. The insights are helpful for design researchers and care professionals seeking to address and include female sexuality as an integral part of care home life.