Sexual Activity is Associated with Greater Enjoyment of Life in Older Adults

Background: Relationships between sexual activity, problems and concerns and wellbeing among older adults have not been fully explored. Aim: To investigate associations between sexual activity, problems and concerns and experienced wellbeing in a representative sample of older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Sexual behavior, problems and concerns were assessed by self-completion questionnaire. Covariates included age, partnership status, socio-economic status, smoking status, alcohol intake, limiting long-standing illness, and depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using one-way independent analyses of variance. Main Outcome: Enjoyment of life was assessed with the pleasure subscale from CASP-19, a validated measure of quality of life specific to older age. Results: Data were available on sexual activity and enjoyment of life for a total of 3,045 men and 3,834 women (mean=64.4 in men, 65.3 in women). Men and women who reported any sexual activity in the past year had significantly higher mean enjoyment of life scores than those who were not sexually active (men=9.75 vs. 9.44, p<0.001, women=9.86 vs. 9.67, p=0.003). Among sexually active men, frequent (≥2 times a month) sexual intercourse (p<0.001) and frequent kissing, petting or fondling (p<0.001) were associated with greater enjoyment of life. Among sexually active women, frequent kissing, petting or fondling was also associated with greater enjoyment of life (p