Editorial comment

摘要

Editorial Comment: Prior research has shown that sexual activity remains an important part of life for many older adults, even into advanced age. However, the associations between underlying physical and mental health and continued sexual activity remain less well understood. These researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 22,654 adults older than 55 years, including 1,879 older than 80, living in a retirement community in Florida. Overall 49.2% of the sample reported being sexually active, including 55% of men and 45.3% of women. Better self-reported overall health was associated with being more sexually active. A history of current or former smoking was strongly associated with sexual inactivity. Of the other 22 health condition predictor variables analyzed a history of cancer, bowel and bladder problems, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders and alcohol abuse were among the numerous independent predictors of sexual inactivity. Interestingly mild to moderate alcohol use was associated with increased sexual activity levels. Underlying comorbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia contributed to decreased sexual activity. Study limitations included lack of a specific definition of sexual activity in the survey instrument and homogeneity of the population, with 97.3% being white, more than 80% being married and the sample being drawn from a single geographic locale. However, the findings highlight that higher levels of exercise, social participation, and improved lifestyle and behavioral choices appear to positively influence sexual health with aging in community dwelling older adults.