Participation in Physical Activity is Associated with Sexual Activity in Older English Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) is a potential modifiable correlate of the age-related decline in sexual function, but no studies have explicitly tested associations between PA and sexual activity. This study aimed to examine associations between PA, sedentary behaviour and sexual activity, problems and concerns in older adults. METHODS: A Cross-sectional observational population study. Data were from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a nationally representative sample of older men and women living in England. A total of 7,038 older men and women aged ≥50 years were included. PA and TV viewing time were self-reported. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by validated self-completion questionnaire and analyses were weighted for non-response. Covariates included age, partnership status, socio-economic status, limiting long-standing illness, smoking status, alcohol intake and depressive symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression were used to investigate associations between PA, sedentary behaviour and sexual activity, problems and concerns. RESULTS: The odds of reporting any sexual activity were increased among individuals who participated in moderate (OR=1.64, 95%CI:1.24-2.15 in men, OR=1.21, 95%CI:0.97-1.52 in women) or vigorous (OR=2.06, 95%CI:1.50-2.84 in men, OR=1.42, 95%CI:1.09-1.85 in women) PA at least once a week. Erectile difficulties were less common among men who were active (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.44-0.77 for vigorous PA). Results linking sedentary behaviour with sexual activity and function were less consistent, although women who watched ≥6 hours of TV/day had lower odds of thinking about sex frequently (OR=0.69, 95%CI:0.50-0.96) or, if they did not live with a partner, being sexually active (OR=0.40, 95%CI:0.22-0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging older adults to be more physically active could help to improve sexual relationships and, as a result, mental health and wellbeing.