1844
GERIATRICS
Re: The Association of Physical and Mental Health with Sexual Activity in Older Adults in a Retirement Community L. E. Bach, J. A. Mortimer, C. Vandeweerd and J. Corvin Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida J Sex Med 2013; 10: 2671e2678.
Abstract available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: Prior research has shown that sexual activity remains an important part of life for many older adults, even into advanced age. However, the associations between underlying physical and mental health and continued sexual activity remain less well understood. These researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 22,654 adults older than 55 years, including 1,879 older than 80, living in a retirement community in Florida. Overall 49.2% of the sample reported being sexually active, including 55% of men and 45.3% of women. Better self-reported overall health was associated with being more sexually active. A history of current or former smoking was strongly associated with sexual inactivity. Of the other 22 health condition predictor variables analyzed a history of cancer, bowel and bladder problems, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders and alcohol abuse were among the numerous independent predictors of sexual inactivity. Interestingly mild to moderate alcohol use was associated with increased sexual activity levels. Underlying comorbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia contributed to decreased sexual activity. Study limitations included lack of a specific definition of sexual activity in the survey instrument and homogeneity of the population, with 97.3% being white, more than 80% being married and the sample being drawn from a single geographic locale. However, the findings highlight that higher levels of exercise, social participation, and improved lifestyle and behavioral choices appear to positively influence sexual health with aging in community dwelling older adults. Tomas L. Griebling, MD, MPH
Re: Functional and Nutritional State in Elderly Men with Compensated Hypogonadism S. Ucak, O. Basat and G. Karatemiz Department of Internal Medicine, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey J Am Med Direct Assoc 2013; 14: 433e436.
Abstract available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: Compensated hypogonadism is considered to be an early form of testicular failure that is often subclinical. Serum testosterone levels remain normal but luteinizing hormone levels tend to be increased. The relationship between compensated hypogonadism and nutritional status in elderly men is unclear, and interactions between various factors are complex. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis occur with normal aging and lead to decreased levels of serum testosterone in elderly men. In addition, aging is often associated with reduced appetite and decreased food intake. Lean body mass also tends to decrease with aging, often in the form of muscle loss and sarcopenia. Depression can be associated with hypogonadism and malnutrition in older adults. Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 lbs or more than 5% of total body weight in a year is considered a marker for frailty and has been linked to increased risk of mortality in older adults. Data from this cross-sectional study of 1,124 men older than 70 years showed that albumin levels were significantly lower than in age matched controls. Those with compensated hypogonadism also had worse independence with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, nutritional status and mood. Positive associations were identified between increased testosterone level and functional and nutritional status. These associations were independent of age and body mass index. The study design limited determination of causality but the results raise
GERIATRICS
Re: The Association of Physical and Mental Health with Sexual Activity in Older Adults in a Retirement Community L. E. Bach, J. A. Mortimer, C. Vandeweerd and J. Corvin Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida J Sex Med 2013; 10: 2671e2678.
Abstract available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: Prior research has shown that sexual activity remains an important part of life for many older adults, even into advanced age. However, the associations between underlying physical and mental health and continued sexual activity remain less well understood. These researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 22,654 adults older than 55 years, including 1,879 older than 80, living in a retirement community in Florida. Overall 49.2% of the sample reported being sexually active, including 55% of men and 45.3% of women. Better self-reported overall health was associated with being more sexually active. A history of current or former smoking was strongly associated with sexual inactivity. Of the other 22 health condition predictor variables analyzed a history of cancer, bowel and bladder problems, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders and alcohol abuse were among the numerous independent predictors of sexual inactivity. Interestingly mild to moderate alcohol use was associated with increased sexual activity levels. Underlying comorbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia contributed to decreased sexual activity. Study limitations included lack of a specific definition of sexual activity in the survey instrument and homogeneity of the population, with 97.3% being white, more than 80% being married and the sample being drawn from a single geographic locale. However, the findings highlight that higher levels of exercise, social participation, and improved lifestyle and behavioral choices appear to positively influence sexual health with aging in community dwelling older adults. Tomas L. Griebling, MD, MPH
Re: Functional and Nutritional State in Elderly Men with Compensated Hypogonadism S. Ucak, O. Basat and G. Karatemiz Department of Internal Medicine, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey J Am Med Direct Assoc 2013; 14: 433e436.
Abstract available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: Compensated hypogonadism is considered to be an early form of testicular failure that is often subclinical. Serum testosterone levels remain normal but luteinizing hormone levels tend to be increased. The relationship between compensated hypogonadism and nutritional status in elderly men is unclear, and interactions between various factors are complex. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis occur with normal aging and lead to decreased levels of serum testosterone in elderly men. In addition, aging is often associated with reduced appetite and decreased food intake. Lean body mass also tends to decrease with aging, often in the form of muscle loss and sarcopenia. Depression can be associated with hypogonadism and malnutrition in older adults. Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 lbs or more than 5% of total body weight in a year is considered a marker for frailty and has been linked to increased risk of mortality in older adults. Data from this cross-sectional study of 1,124 men older than 70 years showed that albumin levels were significantly lower than in age matched controls. Those with compensated hypogonadism also had worse independence with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, nutritional status and mood. Positive associations were identified between increased testosterone level and functional and nutritional status. These associations were independent of age and body mass index. The study design limited determination of causality but the results raise
