Change of sexual activity and its relation to the quality of life in older people: Cognition of Older People, Education, Recreational Activities, NutritIon, Comorbidities, fUnctional Capacity Studies (COPERNICUS)

Abstract

Objectives: Longitudinal changes in sexual activity and their impact on quality of life in older adults have not been thoroughly examined. The current study examined the change in sexual activity over two years and its relation to quality of life in older people in Poland. Study design: This was a two-year longitudinal observational study. Changes in quality of life were evaluated using analysis of covariance models, adjusting for baseline scores, demographic factors, changes in marital status, self-rated health, and level of depression. Main outcome measures: Change in quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale. Results: The sample included 199 participants (80% female, mean age 69.73 ± 6 years). No statistically significant changes in overall quality-of-life scores were noticed over two years (p = 0.3). After adjusting for baseline scores and covariates using analysis of covariance, cessation of sexual activity was significantly associated with lower follow-up scores in the Social Relationships (p = 0.006) and Environmental (p = 0.007) domains of the Quality of Life scale. Nested models excluding potential mediating variables (health and depression changes) confirmed the robustness of these associations. Conclusions: Older adults who cease sexual activity experience significant temporal declines in specific quality-oflife domains, notably social relationships and environmental well-being.