The Conversation

Sue Malta

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Research Fellow, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, National Ageing Research Institute and Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne University, University of Melbourne

I have a PhD in Social Research (Sociology), a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, Community & Industry) and an undergraduate degree in Social Science (Psychology), majoring in Psychology and Sociology, all undertaken at Swinburne, where I am also an Adjunct Research Fellow in the Faculty of Health, Arts and Design. I currently work at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) where I am a Research Fellow and Project Coordinator in the Social Gerontology Division working on a number of projects researching ageing issues. I am also a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne in the School of Population and Global Health working on the Sexual Health and Ageing, Perspectives and Education (SHAPE) project. I have previously worked in community development projects addressing ageing, social connectedness and isolation.

My PhD studies were focused on older adults and connection of a different kind – love, sex and intimacy in new late life romantic relationships, online and offline. I am passionate about the well-being of older people and I am particularly interested in dispelling the myths of older adults as non-physical, non-sexual beings.

I am a member of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA: tasa.org.au) where I co-convene the Ageing and Sociology Thematic Group and a member of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG: http://www.aag.asn.au/) and the Sexual Health Society of Victoria (http://shsov.weebly.com/)

I have presented at many conferences, seminars and community forums both nationally and internationally and have appeared on radio and television talking about late life sexuality as well as online dating.

Experience

  • 2012–present
    Research Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute
  • 2013–present
    Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne Institute of Social Research
  • 2016–present
    Research Fellow, University of Melbourne

Education

  • 2013 
    Swinburne University, PhD
  • 2005 
    Swinburne University, BA (Hons)
  • 2004 
    Swinburne University, BSocSci (Psychology)

Publications

  • 2012
    The initiation and progression of late-life romantic relationships , Journal of Sociology [OnlineFirst]
  • 2012
    Using online methods to interview older adults about their romantic and sexual relationships, Researching Later Life and Ageing - Expanding Qualitative Research Horizons
  • 2010
    Preface to the special edition: Ageing and technology, International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society
  • 2007
    Love actually! Older adults and their romantic internet relationships, Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society

Grants and Contracts

  • 2006
    Australian Postgraduate Award
    Role:
    PhD research project
    Funding Source:
    Commonwealth Government

Professional Memberships

  • The Australian Sociological Association (TASA)
  • Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)

Research Areas

  • Sociological Methodology And Research Methods (160807)
  • Gender, Sexuality And Education (130308)
  • Geriatrics And Gerontology (110308)