Dr. Ruth not concerned about sex
She tackles basic human connection on Hulu.
PASADENA, Calif. — Dr. Ruth Westheimer isn’t worried about younger generations having sex. Her concern is more about basic human connection.
“I do not get any more questions these days about premature ejaculation or women not being able to have an orgasm,” she told the Television Critics Association Monday, as she promoted the Hulu documentary “Ask Dr. Ruth,” streaming May 10.
“Today, most of the questions I get (are) about loneliness, about not finding somebody to share their life and experience with, not just sex. I’m very concerned that young people are going to lose the the ability, the art of conversation.” Computers are off limits during her classes at Columbia to promote more human interaction. “In my classroom, they have to talk to each other.”
The documentary, directed by Ryan White, charts Westheimer’s life, from her childhood in pre-World War II Germany to her survival of the Holocaust and life in Switzerland and Israel, including details of her experience as a sharpshooter. Of course, “Ask Dr. Ruth” also explores her long career as sex therapist, including radio and TV appearances that made her famous, answering thousands and thousands of questions about intimacy.
Westheimer, “90-and-a-half,” offered wit and wisdom on a variety of topics during the panel, her responses evidence of a “zest for life” that has propelled her after tragedy early in her life.
❚ On enjoying a long, meaningful life: “I’m fortunate that I’m very healthy. I skied until a few years ago,” she said. “I have two wonderful children (and) the best four grandchildren in the world. The main issue with me is I’m really interested in what all of you are doing,” displaying a lifelong curiosity.
❚ On a perk of aging: “These days, I hold onto good-looking guys instead of walking with a cane.”
❚ On setting personal boundaries, even as a documentary subject: “You will never know how much money I have, (or) with whom I’m sleeping.”
❚ On whether there are any sexadvice questions she won’t answer: “Sex with an animal. I said, ‘I’m not a veterinarian.’” Questions about violent sex “are not my cup of tea. I used to say, ‘Ask me the next question.’ ”
Surprisingly, Westheimer said she didn’t have the famed “sex talk” with her grandchildren, but she did talk about sex to a fourth-grade class attended by her grandson, who’s now 27. “He said he hasn’t recovered since,” she said.
Asked if there might be a sequel to the documentary, Westheimer was on board: “I have plenty more to say.”
She proved her point when asked who and what she finds sexy today. “You come forward and I’ll look at you and I’ll tell you if you’re sexy,” she told the reporter.