Occurrence of sleep disorders and the value of body mass index of seniors and the quality of their aging

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of sleep disorders and the value of body mass index in seniors, taking into account their quality of aging and participation in classes at Universities of the Third Age (UTAs).

Methods

The study involved 631 (100%) seniors from the Silesian Voivodeship, aged 60 to 96 years (𝑥̅ = 70.28 ± 6.09 years). An original survey questionnaire was used, supplemented by the Successful Aging Scale and the Athens Insomnia Scale questionnaires.

Results

The median of successful aging index (SAI) points obtained by UTAs “+” seniors was 11.71, while the median of SAI points obtained by UTAs “−” seniors was 11.18. Sleep disorders were more common in women than in men as well as among people aged 71–80 years compared to other groups. There were statistically significant weak negative correlations between the points obtained in Successful Aging Scale questionaire domains and the number of points in the Athens Insomnia Scale as well as body mass index value.

Conclusions

The occurrence of sleep disorders and abnormally increased body weight were associated with a deterioration in the quality of aging in the studied seniors. Seniors participating in UTAs activities had a better quality of aging than people who denied participating in the mentioned activity. Actions should be constantly taken to improve the quality of the aging process of seniors, including providing them with access to contacts with other people, treating sleep disorders and educating them on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a proper body weight. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 206–212.

There is a lack of research on successful aging that takes into account the sleep disturbances and increased body weight of seniors. The occurrence of sleep disorders and abnormally increased body weight were associated with a deterioration in the quality of aging in the studied seniors.

Introduction

The term successful aging is defined as “reaching old age with a low risk of disease and infirmity, with high mental and physical fitness and maintained life activity.” The definition quoted above was proposed by Gryglewska. ¹ , ² Wizner supplemented it with “maintaining activity in the sphere of social contacts.” ¹ , ³ Bień added that “factors such as lifestyle, the surrounding environment and psychosocial conditions also play an important role.” ¹ , ⁴

The problem of “successful aging” was first discussed in 1953 by Havighurst and Albrecht. They believed that “successful aging is closely related to earlier periods of life, and people who feel they have lived happily for years and are at the same time satisfied with their lives age more successfully.” ⁵ , ⁶

The quality of aging in older people has recently become the subject of many studies, which is related to the ongoing process of aging in societies and the growing share of older people in the general population structure. ⁷ , ⁸ , ⁹ , ¹⁰ According to data from the Central Statistical Office, at the end of 2020 the number of people aged ≥60 in Poland was 9.8 million, an increase of 1.0% compared to the previous year. The Central Statistical Office forecasts that the number of seniors in Poland will increase to 10.8 million in 2030, and even to 13.7 million in 2050, which will constitute ≈40% of the Polish population. ¹¹ Eurostat provided similar data, predicting a significant increase in the number of elderly people in all European Union countries and pointed out that the highest dynamics of growth of elderly people will take place in Poland. ¹² , ¹³ The quality of life of older people and their health problems, including sleep disorders, deserve special attention in the light of the demographic processes mentioned above. ¹² , ¹⁴

Aging is characterized by changes in the structure and quality of sleep. When the alterations in sleep become substantial, they can generate or accelerate cognitive decline, even in the absence of overt pathology. ¹⁵ Older adults have increased prevalence of primary sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep‐disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and circadian rhythm disturbances. These can be further compromised by sleep disturbances secondary to medical or psychiatric disorders and medication side effects. ¹⁶ Impaired sleep also could represent one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer disease. ¹⁵

Sleep disorders are one of the most common psychopathological complaints, and they occur more frequently with aging. ¹⁷ In older people, a significant, systematic decrease in the level of melatonin responsible for sleep regulation is observed. ¹⁷ , ¹⁸ Seniors are more sensitive to hormonal changes and environmental factors such as noise, light and temperature. The sleep of older people is also shorter, and the deepest stages of sleep are reduced or completely eliminated. However, this does not mean that older people need less sleep, so they may experience more sleepiness during the day. Seniors will take more frequent naps during the day and wake up frequently at night. ¹⁸ Sleep is significantly influenced by a person's functioning during the day, and frequent naps contribute to poorer falling asleep. ¹⁷

A number of diseases and ailments also contribute to sleep disorders. ¹⁷ Many of them are accompanied by chronic pain, which becomes particularly severe in the night. The proper functioning of the digestive and urinary systems plays an important role in insomnia. Frequent need to urinate, hunger attacks at night and reflux or peptic ulcer disease have a very negative impact on the quality of sleep. ¹⁷ , ¹⁹ Respiratory symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath or cough) also prevent a good night's sleep. People with circulatory system diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, circulatory failure or metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes), are also at risk of insomnia. ¹⁷ , ¹⁹

There is also a reciprocal interaction between sleep and obesity. Having poor sleep, in either amount or timing, is associated with difficulty in controlling appetite, resulting in obesity. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, which may further impair sleep quality. ²⁰ An adverse impact of experimental sleep restriction on insulin resistance, leading to reduced glucose tolerance and increased diabetes risk, has been well documented. There is limited evidence indicating that sleep fragmentation without reduction in sleep duration also results in a reduction in insulin sensitivity. ²¹ Sleep problems can lead to metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. ²⁰ , ²¹

Sex is also a predisposition to sleep disorders: Women are much more likely to have sleep problems. ¹⁹

Important factors affecting the quality and quantity of sleep also include mental disorders, including dementia and depression. ¹⁸ Elderly depression is a popular and difficult‐to‐diagnose condition. It is often confused with dementia. ²² However, research shows that seniors cared for by the environment around them are less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those left to themselves. ²³

Participating in various recreational activities, including, for example, attending classes at the Universities of the Third Age (UTAs), allows seniors to develop social contacts with peers and also awakens in them the feeling of “being needed,” positively influencing their well‐being and quality of life. ²⁴

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of sleep disorders and the value of body mass index (BMI) in seniors, taking into account their quality of aging and participation in classes at UTAs.

Materials and methods

The research project was submitted to the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice for formal assessment and opinion. The positive opinion was issued (PCN/0022/KB1/36/21), with the indication that study must be carried out with the principles and rules of good clinical practice, including the subject's informed consent to participate in the study. Each participant in this study gave informed consent to participate in it.

Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 60 years, voluntary informed consent to participate in the study, ability to understand instructions, ability to read and no need for assistance from third parties/others when completing the questionnaire. Exclusion criteria included age <60 years, lack of consent to participate in the study and inability to understand and complete the questionnaire independently (e.g. poststroke).

All individuals who agreed to participate in the study completed the questionnaire in its entirety. Respondents were recruited randomly from among participants of the Polish UTAs (354 seniors) and family members and friends of the researchers (277 seniors not attending classes/lectures of the UTAs). During the break between classes within the UTAs, the researchers randomly approached seniors and asked about their willingness and consent to participate in the study. Only seniors who expressed such consent were given a questionnaire to fill out. The above‐mentioned respondents who did not participate in UTAs classes were also asked to forward the questionnaires to their friends and family members (using the snowball method).

A total of 631 (100%) seniors from the Silesian Voivodeship, aged 60–96 years (𝑥̅ = 70.28 ± 6.09 years) were included in the study. The majority of the study group were women (475; 75.28%).

To conduct the study, an original survey questionnaire was used, consisting of questions regarding the topic discussed and general data (sex, age, place of residence, education, attendance at the UTAs, height and body weight). In addition to the above questions, each respondent completed the Polish version of the Successful Aging Scale (12 statements/questions, rating from 1 (the most negative) to 5 (the most positive), examining the quality of the aging process in three domains: “sense of security”, “mental and physical well‐being” and “retrospective factors”). The “mental and physical well‐being” domain covers both activity and aspects of well‐being. The “sense of security” domain examines one of the key human needs, especially in old age, and the “retrospective factors” domain examines the perception of the life continuum and the individual point of view of each respondent on its course. ²⁵ After summing the points from all domains, a total result was obtained and‐ the Successful Aging Index (SAI). According to the available literature, the higher the score obtained by the respondent, the better his feelings about his own aging process were. ²⁶

The subjects were also asked to complete the Athens Insomnia Scale questionnaire consisting of eight test items assessing falling asleep, waking up at night, waking up in the morning, total sleep time, sleep quality, well‐being the next day, mental and physical fitness the next day and sleepiness during the day. According to the available literature, the threshold for determining the occurrence of sleep disorders in the surveyed seniors was ≥6 points. ²⁷

BMI was calculated on the basis of the height and weight values provided by the surveyed seniors according to the formula: BMI = body weight [kg]/height [m⁻²]. The ranges of normal values was established with generally accepted standards, that is, normal body weight, 18.50–24.99 kg/m⁻²; overweight, 25.00–29.99 kg/m⁻²; class 1 obesity, 30.00–34.99 kg/m⁻²; class 2 obesity, 35.00–39.99 kg/m⁻² and class 3 obesity, ≥40.00 kg/m⁻².

The survey questionnaires were distributed in paper form in white, unmarked envelopes. During the survey, special measures were taken to prevent any identification of respondents. After completing the questionnaire, each study participant sealed the completed sheet in the attached envelope and then placed the sealed envelope in a closed, unmarked box. The box was opened when data from the questionnaires were entered into the prepared database. These measures ensured the full anonymity of the respondents.

Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica Version 13.1 (Statsoft Poland). The results of the study group were prepared by presenting qualitative data as the number of respondents in individual groups and percentages in relation to the entire population, and quantitative data taking into account descriptive statistics (i.e. mean, median and standard and quartile deviation). Chi‐squared statistic values were also calculated. Taking into account the distribution of the analyzed quantitative data, which differs from the normal distribution in all the presented analyses, nonparametric tests were used: Mann–Whitney U and Spearman's rho correlation test. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Table 1 presents the general characteristics of the studied group of seniors, including sex, age, education and place of residence.

Table 1.

General characteristics of the study group

Study group of seniors (n = 631; 100%), n (%)
Sex
Female								475 (75.28)
Male								156 (24.72)
Age (years)
60–70								373 (59.11)
71–80								220 (34.87)
≥81								39 (6.18)
Level of education
Primary								37 (5.86)
Vocational								120 (19.02)
Secondary								292 (46.28)
Higher								182 (28.55)
Place of residence
Village								195 (31.90)
City								436 (69.10)
Participation in activities of the UTA
Yes								354 (56.10)
No								277 (43.90)
BMI (kg/m−2)
				Normal BMI value (18.50–24.99 kg/m−2)				198 (31.38)
				M	SD	Min.	Max.
				23.16	1.46	18.59	24.98
				Overweight (25.00–29.99 kg/m−2)				298 (47.23)
				M	SD	Min.	Max.
				27.42	1.32	25.00	29.97
				Class 1 obesity (30.00–34.99 kg/m−2)				117 (18.54)
				M	SD	Min.	Max.
				31.84	1.27	30.00	34.88
				Class 2 obesity (35.00–39.99 kg/m−2)				12 (1.90)
				M	SD	Min.	Max.
				36.15	0.85	35.16	37.50
M	SD	Min.	Max.	Class 3 obesity (≥40.00 kg/m−2)				6 (0.95)
27.22	3.87	18.59	48.68	M	SD	Min.	Max.
				43.14	3.46	40.27	48.68

BMI, body mass index; M, average; Max., maximum value; Min., minimum value; SD, standard deviation; UTAs, Universities of the Third Age.

Men constituted less than one fourth (156; 24.72%) of the study group, and ≈6% (37; 5.86%) of the respondents had primary education. Taking into account age, most respondents were aged between 60 and 71 years (373; 56.11%), and almost 70% (436; 69.10%) of respondents lived in cities. More than 55% (354; 56.10%) of seniors declared participation in classes at the UTAs. Less than 32% (198; 31.38) of the respondents had a normal body mass index, and more than one fifth (135; 21.39%) of the respondents had obesity. The average BMI value among the surveyed seniors was 27.22 ± 3.87 kg/m⁻².

Characteristics of the studied group of seniors, taking into account the descriptive statistics of points obtained in individual domains of the Successful Aging Scale questionnaire and attendance at classes at the UTAs, as well as the results of the analysis of differences in the total number of points and in the number of points in individual domains of the mentioned questionnaire obtained by the surveyed seniors participating and not participating in the mentioned activity was presented in Table 2.

Table 2.

Characteristics of the surveyed group of seniors, including descriptive statistics of the total number of points obtained, as well as their number in individual domains of the Succesful Aging Scale questionnaire and attendance at classes at the UTAs

Variables	UTAs “+”				UTAs “−”				Entire study group
	SS	MPW	RF	SAI	SS	MPW	RF	SAI	SS	MPW	RF	SAI
M	3.96	3.82	3.76	11.54	3.92	3.51	3.66	11.09	3.94	3.69	3.72	11.34
SD	0.62	0.53	0.59	1.41	0.64	0.63	0.56	1.50	0.63	0.59	0.58	1.46
Med.	4.00	3.80	3.75	11.71	4.00	3.60	3.75	11.18	4.00	3.80	3.75	11.47
Q1	3.67	3.40	3.50	10.72	3.67	3.20	3.25	10.18	3.67	3.40	3.25	10.47
Q3	4.33	4.20	4.25	12.48	4.33	4.00	4.00	12.08	4.33	4.00	4.00	12.30
Min.	1.00	2.00	1.50	6.62	1.67	1.00	1.75	5.75	1.00	1.00	1.50	5.75
Max.	5.00	5.00	5.00	14.50	5.00	5.00	5.00	14.67	5.00	5.00	5.00	14.7
P T S‐W	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001	<0.001

Variables	Mann–Whitney U test
	Z	P‐value
SS	0.754	0.451
MPW	6.296	<0.001*
RF	2.131	0.033*
SAI	3.955	<0.001*

Note: Statistical significance is in bold. This * means result statistically significant.

M, mean; Max., maximum value; Med, median; Min., minimum value; MPW, domain of mental and physical well‐being; P T S‐W, P‐value of the Shapiro–Wilk test; Q₁, lower quartile; Q₃, upper quartile; RF, domain of retrospective factors; SAI, general index of successful aging; SD, standard deviation; SS, domain of sense of security; UTAs “+,” seniors participating in the activities of Universities of the Third Age; UTAs “−,” seniors not participating in the activities of the Universities of the Third Age; Z, Mann–Whitney U test coefficient.

The median of SAI points obtained by UTAs “+” seniors was 11.71 (lower quartile = 3.67, upper quartile = 12.48), while the median of SAI points obtained by UTAs “−” seniors was 11.18 (lower quartile = 10.18, upper quartile = 12.08). The Mann–Whitney U test showed the occurrence of statistically significant differences between seniors participating and refusing to participate in the UTAs activities in the total number of points and the domains of mental well‐being and retrospective factors. In all statistically significant cases, seniors participating in the activities of the UTAs obtained higher scores than those who did not participate in the discussed activity.

Table 3 presents the characteristics of the studied group of seniors, including sex, age, education, place of residence, BMI and the presence of and severity of sleep disorders.

Table 3.

Characteristics of the study group, including the occurrence of sleep disorders among the surveyed seniors and sex, age, education, place of residence and BMI values

Study group of seniors (n = 631)
Variables		No sleeping disorders (358; 100%)		Occurrence of sleep disorders (273; 100%)		Chi‐squared value	df	P‐value
		n	%	n	%
Sex	Female	252	70.39	223	81.68	10.616	1	0.001
	Male	106	29.61	50	18.32
Age	60–70	227	63.41	145	53.11	7.440	2	0.02
	71–80	109	30.45	111	40.66
	≥81	22	6.15	16	5.86
Level of education	Primary	17	4.75	20	7.33	4.147	3	0.386
	Vocational	64	17.88	56	20.51
	Secondary	165	46.09	127	46.52
	Higher	112	31.28	70	25.64
Place of residence	City	246	68.72	190	69.60	0.798	1	0.671
	Village	112	31.28	83	30.40
BMI	Normal	113	31.56	85	31.14	1.285	2	0.526
	Overweight	174	48.60	124	45.42
	Obesity	71	19.83	64	23.44

Note: Statistical significance is in bold.

BMI, body mass index; df, degrees of freedom.

Sleep disorders occurred in >40% (273; 43.26%) of the surveyed seniors, and the chi‐squared test that took into account sex and age showed statistically significant differences in the number of respondents having and not having sleep problems. Sleep disorders were more common in women than in men (P = 0.001) and also among people aged 71–80 years compared to other groups (P = 0.02).

Table 4 presents the characteristics of the study group, including the results of the correlation analysis between the total number of points obtained in the Successful Aging Index, other domains of Successful Aging Scale questionaire and the number of points obtained in the Athens Insomnia Scale questionnaire.

Table 4.

Characteristics of the study group, including the results of the correlation analysis between the total number of points obtained in the Successful Aging Index, other domains of Successful Aging Scale questionnaire and the number of points obtained in the Athens Insomnia Scale questionnaire

Analyzed correlations	Spearman's rho	P‐value
Number of points in the “sense of security” domain and on the Athens Insomnia Scale	−0.245	<0.001
Number of points in the “mental and physical well‐being” domain and on the Athens Insomnia Scale	−0.411	<0.001
Number of points in the “retrospective factors” domain and on the Athens Insomnia Scale	−0.264	<0.001
Number of points on the Successful Aging Index and on the Athens Insomnia Scale	−0.374	<0.001

Note: Statistical significance is in bold.

There were statistically significant weak negative correlations between the variables: the number of points in the “sense of security” domain, in the “retrospective factors” domain and in the Athens Insomnia Scale (ρ = −0.245; P < 0.001 and ρ = −0.264; P < 0.001). Moreover, statistically significant average negative correlations were also found between the variables: the number of points in the “physical and mental well‐being” domain, in the Successful Aging Index and in the Athens Insomnia Scale (ρ = −0.411; P < 0.001 and ρ = −0.374; P < 0.001).

Table 5 presents the characteristics of the study group, including the analysis of the correlation between the total number of points obtained in the Successful Aging Scale questionnaire individual domains and the value of BMI.

Table 5.

Characteristics of the study group, including the results of the correlation analysis between the total number of points obtained in the Successful Aging Scale questionnaire individual domains and the value of BMI

Analyzed correlations	Spearman's rho	P
Number of points in the “sense of security” domain and the value of BMI	−0.018	0.652
Number of points in the “mental and physical well‐being” domain and the value of BMI	−0.189	<0.001
Number of points in the “retrospective factors” domain and the value of BMI	−0.097	0.015
Number of points in the Successful Aging Index and the value of BMI	−0.120	0.003

Note: Statistical significance is in bold.

BMI, body mass index.

The correlation analyses carried out between the variables number of points in the “physical and mental well‐being” domain, in the “retrospective factors” domain and in the SAI and the value of body mass index showed the occurrence of weak negative correlations (ρ = −0.189; P < 0.001 and ρ = −0.012; P < 0.001 and ρ = −0.120; P < 0.003).

Discussion

In the presented study, it appears that the median points obtained by seniors attending classes at the UTAs and seniors who deny the above‐mentioned activity are very similar. Despite this, the Mann–Whitney U test showed that seniors participating in the mentioned activity were more satisfied with their aging (higher SAI values) and had better mental and physical well‐being and looked at the past more positively than people who denied participating in the mentioned activity.

Generations of seniors, especially the “older ones,” are often people who lived their youth and working age in times of war or in postwar Poland, communist and dependent on the Soviet State, where prosperity belonged to only a few. Seniors often had to give up education for economic, life or other random reasons. As a result, unmet needs remained in their lives, such as the need for self‐education; establishing new social contacts; and being socially, physically and culturally active. Participating in activities organized by UTAs allowed seniors to develop their passions and interests, often abandoned in their teenage years due to lack of time, responsibilities, work, family, raising children and lack of opportunities, both financial and social. Similar motives were observed in the research by Wachowiak and Hałas: the desire to develop one's interests and acquire knowledge (59%) and leading an active lifestyle (28%). In the above‐mentioned group, seniors also noted that participation in UTAs activities allowed them to socialize (25%) and fill their free time (18%) after retirement. ²⁸

The study showed a negative relationship between the severity of insomnia (number of points on the Athens Insomnia Scale) and all Successful Aging Index domains. As the number of points in the Athens Insomnia Scale increased, which was synonymous with the severity of symptoms and insomnia, the quality of aging deteriorated, presented in the form of a decreasing number of points in the questionnaire used. This shows that the occurrence of sleep disorders in the studied seniors was associated with a poorer quality of aging. Many researchers have shown in their studies a relationship with the quality of life and the occurrence of sleep disorders in various groups, and insomnia has always been associated with a worse quality of life. ²⁹ , ³⁰ , ³¹ The quality of aging is a concept slightly different from the classic quality of life, but it is closely related to it. As stated by the World Health Organization, quality of life is “an individual's way of perceiving his or her position in life in the cultural context and value system in which he or she lives and in relation to the tasks, expectations and standards determined by environmental conditions.” Its indicators include the ability to play existing life roles, adaptability, psychological well‐being and functioning within social groups. ³² , ³³ The quality of aging depends on the above factors in the long run, and the definitions quoted in the introduction talk about the influence of good quality of life in youth on the positive aging process. ¹ , ² , ³ , ⁴ , ⁵ , ⁶ To sum up, the occurrence of insomnia contributes to a worse aging process in all its dimensions.

In the study group, sleep disorders occurred statistically significantly more often in women than in men. Similar results were obtained by Gajda et al. ¹⁷ Research on completely different groups than seniors also confirmed that women were more susceptible to sleep disorders. This was demonstrated by, among others, Andrzejewska et al. in their research on nursing staff, ³⁴ as well as by Piotrowski et al. studying groups of students. ³⁵ Insomnia in postmenopausal women is undoubtedly caused by hormonal changes occurring in the woman's body during this period. Factors responsible for sleep disorders include increased secretion of follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, with decreased secretion of progesterone and estrogens. ³⁶

Heitzman, quoted above, also showed that sleep disorders are particularly severe with age. ³⁶ In our study, seniors aged 71–80 were more likely to suffer from sleep disorders than “younger” people. According to Heitzman, this is related to the decrease in the number of neurons and the shortening of deep sleep while increasing the length of light sleep in older people. ³⁶ Insomnia in older people is also influenced by reduced melatonin secretion with age, as well as their increased sensitivity to external factors. ¹⁷ , ¹⁹ , ³⁷

Correlation analyses also showed that body weight disorders also influence the successful aging process. As the BMI value increased, the number of points in individual Successful Aging Sclae questionaire domains decreased (except for the “sense of safety” domain). This meant that the surveyed seniors with higher body weight rated their quality of aging worse. Similarly to the sleep disorders described above, there are scientific reports in which obese and overweight people declared a worse quality of life than people with normal body weight. ³⁸ , ³⁹ Excessive food consumption during aging most often results in obesity, which is associated with reduced muscle mass and hormonal changes, decreased metabolism and the use of various medications. ⁴⁰ Obesity increases the risk of developing many different age‐related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. ⁴¹ The development of these diseases significantly reduces both the quality of life and aging.

The strength of the study was the demonstration that the occurrence of sleep disorders and improper body weight are associated with a poorer quality of life for seniors. In addition, it was shown that seniors participating in UTAs classes declared a better quality of life than those not participating in these classes. Our study proves that seniors participating in classes organized by the UTAs benefit from them in the form of knowledge on the implementation of activities improving the quality of their life, which is of great importance, especially in the era of aging societies.

On the other hand, the weakness of the study was certainly the fact that BMI was determined on the basis of the declared body weight and height by seniors when filling in the questionnaire and not a physical examination. It was not possible to weigh and measure seniors due to the short breaks between UTAs lectures. The group of people not participating in the UTAs was collected using the snowball method, so the researchers did not meet most of the respondents in person, which is why it was also not possible to measure body weight and height in this part of the study group. Moreover, there were significantly more women than men in the study group, which could have influenced the results related to the occurrence of sleep disorders by sex.

Conclusions

The occurrence of sleep disorders and abnormally increased body weight were associated with a deterioration in the quality of aging in the studied seniors. Seniors participating in UTAs activities had a better quality of aging than people who denied participating in the mentioned activity. Actions should be constantly taken to improve the quality of the aging process of seniors, including providing them with access to contacts with other people, treating sleep disorders and educating them on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a proper body weight.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Author contributions

Conceptualization, J.D.; validation, J.D.; formal analysis, J.D., M.S., O.S.; resources, J.D., M.S., O.S.; data curation, J.D., M.S.; writing—original draft preparation, J.D., M.S., O.S.; writing—review and editing, J.D., M.S., O.S.; visualization, J.D.; supervision, J.D.; project administration, J.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Ethics statement

The study was started after obtaining the consent of the Bioethics Committee (PCN/0022/KB1/36/21).

Dąbek J, Szynal M, Sierka O. Occurrence of sleep disorders and the value of body mass index of seniors and the quality of their aging. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2025;25:206–212. 10.1111/ggi.15056

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.