LEXINGTON, Ky. — Laneshia Conner, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, is addressing a critical and long-ignored public health issue: the lack of sexual health education tailored to aging adults, particularly aging racial minority women.
Through her project, Advancing Gerontological Health Education, Conner is developing culturally relevant and age-inclusive tools that promote informed conversations about sexual health, hygiene, and disease prevention in later life. The initiative is supported by the UNITE Humanities Pilot Grant—part of UK’s UNITE Research Priority Area, which fosters interdisciplinary research aimed at dismantling health disparities.
“Most sexual health education models are designed with younger populations in mind,” Conner said. “While that’s certainly important – there’s a need for resources that consider the changes that occur with age and how those changes might impact sexual health.”
The project includes the design of 2-D flashcards and, eventually, 3-D models that reflect the anatomical and physiological changes that occur with aging. But the tools go beyond anatomy—they are intended to support critical dialogue, uncover social and behavioral risk factors, and promote self-advocacy for older adults navigating healthcare.
“This gap in education leaves many older adults without the necessary knowledge to maintain proper hygiene and sexual health,” said Conner. “The inspiration for this project came from the absence of culturally tailored materials—particularly for aging racial minority women—despite rising rates of STIs and HIV in this population.”
The research is both deeply practical and firmly rooted in the values of social work.
“By developing audience-specific materials, this project contributes to social work’s broader mission—advancing health equity, promoting inclusive education, and reducing disparities among marginalized populations,” Conner explained.
While Conner’s project is still in its development phase, it represents a larger shift in health research—one celebrated during the recent UK UNITE Research Showcase, which brought together researchers, students, and community partners across disciplines.
