Seniors in Campbell are invited to a free seminar about topics that some might not feel too comfortable discussing with families or even a spouse.

On June 27 the community center will have social worker Vivian Silva address topics like relationships, healthy aging, intimacy, sexuality and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

“Seniors don’t really have a place to discuss these topics,” said Tina Wong-Erling, the center’s senior services supervisor. “It’s not a topic people are really open to.”

Silva said the main goal of the seminar is to combat ageism and to let seniors know they can lead a healthy, quality life.

“I’ll talk about safe sex, how our bodies change as we age, living alone and relationships,” Silva said.

Wong-Erling and Silva have known each other for 25 years as fellow social workers. Silva has held similar seminars in Sunnyvale and Cupertino, at libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District and at a national conference addressing seniors and health.

“The discussion will cover intimacy, relationships and companionship,” Wong-Erling said. “Sometimes we forget those topics are still part of getting older. It’s a very natural part of life.”

“This is a safe place for people to ask any questions they have,” Silva said.

Silva worked in Sunnyvale as a geriatric caregiver, which sparked an interest in educating seniors about health.

“I knew I wanted to help seniors; I just didn’t know how I was going to do that,” she said, adding that her willingness to assist the demographic came from the connection she had with her grandparents.

Her first job as a social worker was in Cupertino, helping senior residents find community resources and assessing senior care conditions for those living independently.

While working with seniors, Silva saw a curiosity and need to approach health topics relevant to aging.

“I bring the subject to light,” Silva said, adding that when she reached her senior years she too found herself asking questions about topics like divorce and finding companionship.

Silva began advocating for seniors when she began her career as a social worker later in her life.

“I’m an advocate of aging with dignity and finding your essence,” she said.

The seminar will also have a discussion about sexuality as Silva said she’s seen and heard discrimination against seniors who may identify as LGBTQ.

The seminar is for adults 50 and older and will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m in the Campbell Community Center’s room C-35, 1 W. Campbell Ave.