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

• Main Authors: Lee Smith, Igor Grabovac, Lin Yang, Nicola Veronese, Ai Koyanagi, Sarah E. Jackson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: sexual activity; sexual behaviour; sexual concerns; sexual problems; physical activity; television viewing time; older adults; England
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/3/489

Physical activity (PA) is a potential modifiable correlate of the age-related decline in sexual function, but no studies have explicitly tested this. This study aimed to examine associations between PA, television viewing (TV) time and sexual activity, problems, and concerns.<b> </b>Data were from 7,038 men and women aged &#8805;50 years participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PA and TV viewing time were self-reported. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by self-completion questionnaire. Covariates included age, partnership status, socio-economic status, limiting long-standing illness, smoking status, alcohol intake and depressive symptoms. The odds of reporting any sexual activity were increased among individuals who participated in moderate (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.24&#8315;2.15 in men) or vigorous (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.50&#8315;2.84 in men, OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09&#8315;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&#8315;0.77 for vigorous PA). Women who watched &#8805;6 hours of TV/day had lower odds of thinking about sex frequently (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50&#8315;0.96) or, if they did not live with a partner, being sexually active (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22&#8315;0.72). Encouraging older adults to be more physically active could help to improve sexual relationships and, as a result, mental health and wellbeing.