Sexual Activity in the Elderly as a Factor that can Impact Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the quality-of-life impact on sexual activity in male patients aged 65 to 75 years. Methods: analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from March to August 2019, at the Family Medicine Unit No. 58 of the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Male patients aged 65 to 75 years were included, the sample was calculated for finite populations with non-randomized by convenience sampling, with a total of 436 patients, to whom the gencat Scale was applied to evaluate quality of life and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale to assess sexual interest, both instruments were validated for Hispanic population. Results: 83.4% (364) pateints considered that active sexual relations do improve their quality of life; in addition, 85.76% (374) of the patients had sexual interest and 72.9% (318) of the patients with active sexual activity felt happy. Risk factors for sexual disinterest were identified as dissatisfaction with present life, lack of motivation and perception of worsening health, among others. Conclusion: it was determined that sexual activity had an impact on the quality of life of the elderly.