Abstract
Objectives : Social isolation and central sensitization have a significant effect on the physical and mental health of elderly males. Central sensitization could be related to psychological factors. In this study, we examined older adults in urban areas and the effect of subjective quality of life (QOL) on central sensitization, considering the effects of gender and social isolation.
Subjects and Method : We focused on adults over 65 who participated in urban health examinations. The subjects were 275 males and 410 females. We evaluated the subjects using a questionnaire. Central sensitization was evaluated by the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), subjective QOL was evaluated by Ikigai-9, and social isolation was evaluated by the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. We assessed the relevance of each factor by multivariate linear regression analysis in each of the male and female groups.
Results : Social isolation and a history of central sensitization syndrome (CSS) were positively associated with CSI in both groups. In the male group, the higher the “positive and optimistic feelings for life,” a component of subjective QOL, the lower the CSI, and the CSI increased with aging.
Conclusion : In elderly people in urban areas, social isolation and a history of CSS were associated with central sensitization, suggesting the need for preventive measures. In addition, central sensitization increases with age in males, but might be improved by increasing subjective QOL. Improving subjective QOL may be a preventative measure for central sensitization in elderly males.
