In our society, sexuality is mostly linked to (young) adults. We think that sex will pass or fade away and that sex will change to affection with age, that elderly do not have sex (Brogan, 1996). However, this belief is discovered to be a misconception. Elderly do have sexual feelings and needs. Moreover, the sex toy industry is stimulating this thought that sexuality is something for (young) adults by designing products for millennials. The aim of this project is to create awareness that sexuality is for elderly as well. This will be the foundation of breaking the taboo on- and to change the current image of elderly’s sexuality focusing on the female over 60. This leads to the research question “How can design contribute to breaking the taboo on elderly’s sexuality?”. Literature research, interviews with experts, iterations and benchmarks are used in the design process to answer this question.

Young adults and elderly differ in body functions. Elderly’s body function reacts slower, and the impulse threshold is higher, causing that elderly need more impulses to have the same feeling. Moreover, the physical condition declines when aging. For example, their heart and lung function and therefore their condition, impairment of vision and hearing, and everyone has to deal with osteoarthritis to a certain extent. Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Bending your joint and thus using fine motor skills when having osteoarthritis creates this joint pains. 

Because everyone has to deal with this at some point, I designed a vibrator which takes this into account. The vibrator’s grip has a different shape, which is triangular such that the position of the wrist can stay in line with the forearm, which means that the wrist doesn’t have to bend. Moreover, it is easier to naturally hold the device without pain when the grip is triangular. Furthermore, the button of the vibrator is over the full length and has a structure to make it clearly tangible. The button can be pushed with four fingers to change the vibration pattern. Due to the bigger button and straightforward use, it reduces the need of fine motor skills. Moreover, the exterior power button allows for simple usage and can easily turned on and off with for example your full hand or with the table. This is to reduce the need of fine motor skills as well. The vibrator has a magnetic charging mechanism. Due to the magnetic charging port, the user is easily guided towards the charging station. 

It can be concluded that designing the unique appearance as well as the user-friendliness of a vibrator for the female over 60 will initiate the discussions on such taboo. The product must be put on the market and brought to the attention of society. This attention will be reached by collaborations with companies, experts and ambassadors, which lead to a fundamental platform for the product. Sales of Silver Delight and investors will provide more financial opportunities for advertisements, which in turn will create more awareness in society. Therefore, awareness, publicity and sales go hand in hand and need each other to succeed.