Sexual activity, satisfaction and quality of life in older adults

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction and demographic, social, and clinical variables as well as quality of life in older adults. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted as part of the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Study, in the city of Sa?o Paulo in 2010, with a sample of 1,129 older adults. Sexual satisfaction was measured by reporting sexual activity, satisfaction and quality of life using the SF-12 survey. Regarding sexual satisfaction, 45.1% reported being inactive and satisfied, 6.2% active and dissatisfied, 37.0% active and satisfied and 11.7% inactive and dissatisfied. The physical component of quality of life was associated with sexual satisfaction and the highest means of this component were found among the older adults who were active and satisfied. It was concluded that sexual practice is extremely important for quality of life in older adults, which reinforces the need to implement education and protection actions in relation to the vulnerability of sexuality in older adults.