Psychological Distress In Older Adults Research Articles

Ageist attitudes and psychological distress in older adults: The moderating role of reflective functioning.

Ageist attitudes have been associated with various aspects of psychological functioning in older adults. According to Terror Management Theory, older adults may be seen as a reminder of human demise and death, and research has demonstrated links between ageist attitudes and compromised abilities to seek and maintain close personal relationships, which ward off awareness of one's mortality. Accordingly, the current work examined whether reflective functioning, or the ability to comprehend one's own and others' mental states, mitigates the negative psychological manifestations of ageist attitudes in older adults. Data was collected from 686 participants aged 60-94 (Mage=72.64, SD=6.28), who completed scales assessing ageist attitudes, reflective functioning, and psychological distress, as well as relevant socio-demographic information. Results indicated that ageist attitudes were linked with low levels of reflective functioning and enhanced psychological distress. Moreover, reflective functioning moderated the ageist attitudes-distress link, which was not significant in individuals reporting high levels of reflective functioning. This study provides insight into how the ability to comprehend others' mental states mitigates the adverse psychological effects of ageist attitudes and highlights the importance of examining relationship-enhancing personal factors within the context of negative ageing perceptions and psychological distress.

The mediating role of loneliness in the association between exposure to terror and psychological distress in older adults

Terror attacks are known to bear detrimental effects on psychological distress in children, adolescents and young adults, but less is known about their influence on older adults. There is also evidence for increased loneliness following stressful events, but less is known about the mediating role of loneliness on the relation between terror attacks and psychological distress. The present study investigated the relation between exposure to terror attacks and psychological distress in older adults, as well as the potential mediating role of loneliness. Data were collected from 686 older adults (Mage= 73.49, SD= 6.02, range=65–94), who provided information regarding exposure to terror, loneliness, and psychological distress. Exposure to terror was positively associated with loneliness, which was, in turn, positively associated with psychological distress. Moreover, the link between terror exposure and psychological distress was mediated by loneliness. Our findings demonstrate the relation between exposure to terror and psychological distress in old age and suggest that loneliness contributes to this association.

Adverse childhood experiences and age-trajectories of depressive symptoms in older adults from China

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have profound lifelong consequences. Less is known about their impact on outcomes in late life, such as psychological distress in older adults. Moreover, there is a paucity of evidence on associations of ACEs with age-trajectories in depressive symptoms, especially with distinct patterns of trajectories. We investigated associations between ACEs and trajectories of depressive symptoms at mid-to-older ages in a Chinese population sample. Methods We used the longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (13846 participants ≥45y). Depressive symptoms were measured by CES-D10 (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) at four waves (2011-18). A range of ACEs (<17y) were retrospectively reported by participants. Growth Mixture Models were used to identify distinct age-trajectories of depressive symptoms and their associations with ACEs. Results We identified two trajectory groups: (1) persistent high (men 14%; women 19.2%) and (2) low/normal levels of depressive symptoms. Several ACE measures were associated with increased risk of having persistent high levels of depressive symptoms (mid-to-older ages) after adjusting for other ACEs, sex, childhood SES (financial status, parental education, occupation), adult SES (education, financial status, urban/rural residence), health behaviors and limitations in daily activities. For example, adjusted OR was 1.35 (95% CI:1.17,1.55) for physical abuse (28.2%), 1.38(1.19,1.59) for domestic violence (24.3%), 1.48(1.23,1.78) for parental drinking, drug or mental health problems (9.4%), 1.59(1.38,1.84) for those had a bedridden parent (18.7%). Conclusions ACEs have a long lasting effect on trajectories of depressive symptoms in older adults, independent of childhood SES and adult factors, highlighting the need to act early to reduce the long lasting impact on mental health in later life. Key messages • Adverse childhood experiences are associated with persistent high levels of depressive symptoms from mid-to-older ages. • Associations are independent of childhood SES and adult factors.

Influencing factors of psychological pain among older people in China: A cross-sectional study

Limited research has focused on the psychological pain among older people and factors associated with psychological distress in older adults also remain to be evaluated. This study aims to examine the status and correlates of psychological pain among older people from urban and rural areas in China. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 4312 samples which extracted from the dataset of China's Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. Psychological pain was assessed by the Chinese version of the Psychache Scale (PAS). Multiple linear regression models were established to examine the associations between demographic characteristics and psychological pain. The average score of PAS among older people was 41.79 ± 14.52, and the average score of PAS among urban older people was higher than rural ones in this study. For rural older people, age (B ≥ 80 = 2.55), gender (B Female = 1.27), educational level (B Primary school = 1.63; B ≥ Middle school = 0.27), smoking (B yes = 0.83), number of chronic diseases (B ≥ 2 = 3.19) and personal social capital (B BRC = 0.27) were positively related to psychological pain, while family per-capita annual income (B15,000-30,000 = −2.52; B > 30,000 = −3.44), living arrangement (B With spouse = -3.40; B With children = -2.89; B Others = -3.82) and personal social capital (B BOC = −0.36) were negatively associated with psychological pain (p < 0.05). Moreover, for urban older people, gender (B Female = 0.98), current occupation (B With occupation = 1.13) and smoking (B yes = 2.14) were positively related to psychological pain, whereas age (B ≥ 80 = −1.45), family per-capita annual income (B > 30,000 = −3.63), living arrangement (B With spouse = -1.31), BMI (Bnormal = −2.62) and personal social capital (B BOC = −0.16) were negatively associated with psychological pain (p < 0.05). The present study sheds light on the worrying state of psychological pain experienced by Chinese older people. The results suggest that targeted interventions and social support, should be taken to alleviate the psychological pain among older people, especially urban older people.

480 - Quality of Life, Physical Functioning, and Psychological Distress in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

480 - Quality of Life, Physical Functioning, and Psychological Distress in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Trajectories of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults in Quebec: A longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health measures may increase the risk for psychological distress among vulnerable older adults. This longitudinal study aimed to identify predictors of psychological distress trajectories among community-dwelling older adults in Quebec, Canada. The study spanned four time points across 13months and three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 645 community-dwelling older adults ages 60years and older in Quebec. Participants completed telephone-based interviews that included the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) to assess psychological distress at each time point as well as information on socioeconomic, medical, psychological and COVID-19 related factors. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify distinct trajectories of psychological distress across time. Three group-based trajectories of psychological distress were identified: the resilient (50.5%), reactive (34.9%), and elevated distress groups (14.6%). Individuals with mobility issues, insomnia symptoms, COVID-19 related acute stress, general health anxiety, increased loneliness symptoms, and those unable to use technology to see others were more likely to be in the reactive and elevated groups than the resilient group. Those with past mental health problems had uniquely increased odds of being in the reactive group compared to the resilient group. Individuals living in poverty and those who reported taking psychotropic medication had increased odds of being in the elevated distress group compared to the resilient group. These findings characterized distinct trajectories of psychological distress in older adults and identified risk factors for elevated distress levels.

The Associations between eMental Health Literacy, Barriers to Mental Health Services, and Psychological Distress in Older Adults.

Building on eHealth literacy and mental health literacy, this cross-sectional survey study examined associations between eMental health literacy (the degree to which individuals obtain, process, and understand basic mental health information online to inform mental health-related decisions), perceived barriers to mental healthcare, and psychological distress. Data were collected online for 247 older adults in the United States. Higher eMental health literacy was associated with fewer perceived barriers to mental healthcare, in models conceptualizing psychological distress as an outcome of eMental health literacy and barriers to care (intrinsic, β = -0.36, p < .001; extrinsic, β = -0.24, p = .002) and as a covariate of eMental health literacy (intrinsic, β = -0.33, p = .001; extrinsic, β = -0.24, p = .003). Continued research and replication of findings are needed to better understand the potential role of eMental health literacy in reducing barriers to mental health services in later life.

Gender and Psychosocial Differences in Psychological Resilience among a Community of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The study aimed at exploring gender and additional sociodemographic differences in psychological resilience, as well as the association between resilience and psychological distress in older adults, during the first lockdown in Italy, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants attended an online survey during the first lockdown in May 2020. Psychological distress was assessed through the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, the Resilience Scale (RS) was administered to evaluate psychological resilience, and sociodemographic variables were also collected. The study involved 108 community older adults (mean age 70.02 ± 3.5 years). Comparisons revealed that women reported significantly lower total scores of RS (p = 0.027), as well as lower levels of resilience-related domains, namely Meaningfulness (p = 0.049), Self-Reliance (p = 0.011), Perseverance (p = 0.035), and Existential Aloneness (p = 0.014), compared to men. Significantly higher RS scores were found in older adults being involved in a relationship, compared to those not involved in relationships (p = 0.026), and in older adults with children (p = 0.015), compared to those without offspring, suggesting the importance for older adults of not dealing alone with such a dramatic and stressful event, such as the pandemic. Negative correlations were found between psychological resilience and stress, depression, and anxiety. Linear regressions revealed that lower RS total scores, as well as lower scores in the majority of the RS scales, were associated with greater levels of stress, greater levels of anxiety, and greater levels of depressive symptoms. This study suggested that older women might appear more vulnerable in facing the pandemic, compared to men; having not lived alone through the lockdown period might also be considered as a factor of resilience for older adults.

Psychological distress, multimorbidity and health services among older adults in rural South Australia

ObjectivePsychological distress may relate to higher health services use. However, data on psychological distress and health services use among rural older adults are limited. This study investigates psychological distress in older adults (aged ≥60) and evaluates the relationship between psychological distress, multimorbidity and health services utilization. DesignA cross-sectional design was adopted using data on older adults (≥60) (n = 5920) from the South Australia's 2013–2017 population health survey. The Modified Monash Model MM2–7 was used to designate rural areas. The dataset provides information on reported physical health conditions, psychological distress, and patterns of health services use. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to compute scores for reported mental health disorders in this population. ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the study participants was 72.1 (8.1) years. Women constituted 58.8% of the sample. The mean (SD) score for psychological distress was 12.5 (3.6). One-fourth (33.7%) report one-chronic condition, 20.4% reported 2 chronic conditions and 13% had more than 3 chronic conditions. High psychological distress was associated with female gender (χ2 = 14.4, p < 0.001), <80 years (χ2 = 11.7, p = 0.019), lower education (χ2 = 10.9, p = 0.027). Similarly, multimorbidity was associated with female gender (χ2 = 51.1, p < 001), increasing age (χ2 = 173.6, p < 0.001) and lower education (χ2 = 28.8 p < 0.001). Psychological distress and multimorbidity were independently associated with health service use. High psychological distress was associated with general practitioner (GP) visit (odds ratio 3.6 (95% CI 2.6–5.1), p < 0.001), emergency department (ED) visit (odds ratio 2.5 (95% CI 1.2–5.0), p < 0.001) and hospital admission (odds ratio 2.3 (95% CI 1.3–4.3), p < 0.001). Multimorbidity was associated with general practitioner (GP) visit (odds ratio 6.8 (95% CI 5.6–8.3), p < 0.001), emergency department (ED) visit (odds ratio 2.5 (95% CI 1.4–4.3), p < 0.001) and hospital admission (odds ratio 3.1 (95% CI 1.9–5.1), p < 0.001). Model included age, gender, education, number of chronic condition and psychological distress. Conclusion/implicationPsychological distress and multimorbidity were independently associated with health services use. Thus, psychological distress, particularly in the presence of multimorbidity, presents an opportunity for intervention by clinicians that may reduce the demand on rural health services.

Association of Visual Impairment with Psychological Distress in Older Adults: A Survey of 105,092 Older People in Taiwan.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between visual impairment (VI) and psychological distress (PD) among older adults in Taiwan. The present cohort study included participants aged >65 years who participated in a physical examination program. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of whether they had PD at baseline. The association between PD and VI with other variables was compared using the two-sample t-test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for discrete variables. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR). Cumulative incidence of PD was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences among participants with different severities of VI were analyzed using the two-tailed log-rank test. Subgroup analyses were performed to calculate the HR for PD among participants with different severities of VI. The PD group showed a significantly high percentage of VI. In addition, participants with VI showed a significantly higher HR and seven-year cumulative incidence rate of PD than those without VI. VI was independently and significantly associated with a higher incidence of PD among older Asian people. Therefore, identifying and treating correctible VI is important to prevent PD and improve the overall quality of life.

Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders- Expressive writing intervention: A pilot study

ObjectivesThe Cancer and Aging: Reflections for Elders Expressive Writing Intervention (CARE-Express) was developed to enhance coping and minimize psychological distress in older adults with cancer. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of CARE-Express. Materials and MethodsSeventy-one distressed older adults (≥70) with cancer were assigned to CARE-Express (n = 41) or the Enhanced Social Work Control (ESWC) arm (n = 30). Participants completed five telephone sessions over seven weeks and were assessed on psychosocial variables at baseline, post-intervention, and four months post study enrollment. Feasibility was assessed by examining rates of eligibility, acceptance, retention, assessment, and fidelity. Initial efficacy was evaluated using standardized effect sizes. ResultsAdequate rates of acceptance (29%), eligibility (66%), retention (90%), assessment (70% at post-intervention, 63% at four month follow-up), and fidelity (97%) were observed. At post-intervention, participants receiving CARE-Express reported less depression compared to ESWC (d = 0.69, p = 0.01) and lower demoralization (d = 0.50, p = 0.06). A small/moderate effect was demonstrated for increased total spirituality scores (d = 0.41, p = 0.07), meaning/peace (d = 0.32, p = 0.20) and faith (d = 0.35, p = 0.07). The CARE-Express group reported greater reductions in behavioral disengagement (d = 0.44, p = 0.06), while ESWC demonstrated a small effect for active coping (d = 0.21, p = 0.31). At four months, differential effects of CARE-Express had attenuated, though small/moderate, effects in favor of CARE-Express remained. ConclusionResults support the feasibility of CARE-Express and its potential positive impact on psychological well-being.Trial registration: Registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT00984321 on September 25, 2009.

Impact of Multimorbidity on Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Older Adults: Is There a Sex Difference?

Introduction: Multimorbidity has become a key issue in the health care sector globally, and it can also lead to psychological distress in older adults. This study aimed to assess the impact of multimorbidity on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and identify whether there is a sex difference in these associations.Methods: A cross-sectional study using a multistage random sampling method was conducted among 3,266 older adults in China. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the independent associations between multimorbidity and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Furthermore, interaction analysis was employed to investigate the interaction effect of multimorbidity and sex on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.Results: A total of 3,250 participants aged 60 years and older were included in this study. Our findings suggest that multimorbidity is strongly positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. In addition, the positive relations between multimorbidity and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms are stronger for older female than male adults.Conclusion: Old adults with multimorbidity are more likely have depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study offers new insight for the mental health from the perspective of multimorbidity among older people, implies that encouraging the accessibility of treatment for multimorbidity in older people with different sex may be effective in promoting mental health in China.

Technology Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Psychological Distress: Exploring Health, Pain, And Activity

This randomized controlled trial investigates two technologically based self-administered cognitive behavioral depression treatments (CBT) on psychological distress in older adults. Health may change the ability to participate in types of activities, thereby impacting mental well-being and treatment response. The aims of this research are 1) to understand the impact of technologically based cognitive behavioral treatment on psychological distress 2) explore how health, pain, and activity engagement may affect treatment response. Fifty one participants recruited were randomized to one of 3 groups: audio-based cognitive behavioral therapy, computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and control group. The combined treatment groups are compared to the control group. Health was examined in multiple ways; the Vulnerable Elders Scale-13 score ; (Saliba et al., 2001); and a reported chronic pain condition. For overall psychological distress, improvement on the Brief Symptom Inventory General Severity Index (GSI; Derogatis & Spencer, 1983) scores from baseline to post-treatment indicated treatment response. The California Older Person’s Pleasant Events Scale (COPPES; Rider, Gallagher-Thompson, & Thompson, 2004) measured activity engagement. While controlling for the Time 1 GSI score, an ANOVA revealed a significant difference in psychological distress between the CBT treatment group and control group F(1, 43) =4.22, p=.046. A linear regression analysis with the VES-13 score and GSI baseline score as predictors and the GSI posttreatment score as the dependent variable, found that health did not significantly predict psychological distress outcomes. Observation of the descriptives and these analyses suggest that CBT can impact psychological distress, potentially even with variations in health and pain.

Technology Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Psychological Distress: Exploring Health, Pain, And Activity

To slow the spread of Covid-19, many states instituted restrictions on group size for religious services, exercise, and social engagement. We are beginning to understand the effect of these mandates on older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sleep health, depression, pain, and quality of life (QOL) among older adults during the initial months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Older adults completed an anonymous online survey to collect data including personal characteristics, behaviors, and health conditions during May-September 2020. Sleep Health was assessed with a survey of satisfaction, timing, efficiency, and duration of sleep along with daytime alertness. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between age, education, socioeconomic status, pain, depression, and QOL. Participants (N=509) were primarily female (n=392, 77%), white (n=466; 92%), college educated (n=471, 93%) and with a mean age of 75.6 years (SD=5.0; range 63-93 years). Mean Sleep Health score was 7.4 (SD=2.1; range 0-10). Higher (better) Sleep Health scores were associated with education (r=.15, p<01) and socioeconomic status (r=.17, p<.01) and lower scores with depression (r= -.35, p<.01), pain (r= -.23, p<.01), and QOL (r= -.26, p<.01). Poorer Sleep Health among older adults during the initial months of the pandemic were associated with depression, pain, and reduced QOL. Sleep, depression, and pain have reciprocal relationships that may have lasting consequences on physical and mental health among older adults. These findings suggest that poor sleep health should be identified and treated to improve QOL among older adults.

SIOG2021-0079 - Psychological Distress in Older Adults During Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer

SIOG2021-0079 - Psychological Distress in Older Adults During Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Resilience and optimism associated with mental health to subjective well-being in older adults 65+ during pandemic outbreak

Abstract Background During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are more likely to experience limitations in activities for daily living and social isolation and thus at greater risk for decline in mental and cognitive health. The current study examined how older adults' resilience and optimism affected mental and emotional well-being in the midst of pandemic crisis. Methods The study used data sampled from two waves of the Eurofound COVID-19 survey collected from 27 European countries in April, during the first lockdown, and July 2020 when restrictions and measures were mildly lifted-up. The first round sample included 11,211 older adults (Mean age = 69.71 ± 5.15, 70% females, 86% retired) and second round sample included 4,424 (Mean age = 69.93 ± 4.47, 61% females). Analysis focused on resilience, optimism, WHO Well-being Index, psychological distress, and subjective well-being (self-rated health, life satisfaction, happiness). Covariates included socio-demographic information and financial and health care situations since pandemic crisis. Results Mental health, subjective well-being, and psychological distress in older adults tended to change over time, while resilience and optimism were relatively stable. Regression analysis indicated that older adults who scored higher for resilience and optimism reported greater life satisfaction and happiness, better health perception, higher levels of mental health, and lower psychological distress when controlled for socio-demographic variables and adversities related to pandemic outbreak. Conclusions Resilience and optimism might have a potential to help older adults cope with exposure to stressful life events and later life adversity, but inconclusive. Future studies should more precisely examine the role of resilience and optimism in promoting mental health in older adults, its formation and protective mechanism, to better incorporate these factors into life-long education and interventions for older adults.

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for psychological distress in older adults without cognitive impairment living in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A feasibility study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the mental health of older adults living in nursing homes. Very few studies have examined the effects of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) on older adults living in nursing homes during the pandemic. We conducted a feasibility study using a single-group design, to explore the effectiveness of ICBT on psychological distress in 137 older adults (without cognitive impairment) from 8 nursing homes in 4 southeast cities in China, between January and March 2020. MethodsSymptoms of depression, anxiety, general psychological distress, and functional disability were measured at baseline, post-treatment (5 weeks) and at a 1-month follow-up. Mixed-effects model was used to assess the effects of ICBT. ResultsStatistically significant changes with large effect sizes were observed from pre- to post-treatment on the PHQ-9 (p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.74), GAD-7 (p < .001, d = 1.71), GDS (p < .001, d = 1.30), K-10 (p < .001, d = 1.93), and SDS (p < .001, d = 2.03). Furthermore, improvements in treatment outcomes were sustained at 1-month follow-up, and high levels of adherence and satisfaction were indicated. ConclusionICBT was effective in reducing psychological distress in older adults without cognitive impairments living in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it could be applied in improving the mental health of this vulnerable group during the pandemic.

Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Portuguese Older Individuals with Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound without an external source, often associated with adverse psychological and emotional effects leading to impaired quality of life (QoL). The present study investigated QoL and psychological distress in tinnitus patients and analysed the effects of associated comorbidities. Tonal and speech audiometry, tinnitus assessment, and clinical interviews were obtained from 122 Portuguese individuals (aged from 55 to 75). Portuguese versions of the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to evaluate psychological distress, health-related QoL, social difficulties and tinnitus severity. The presence of tinnitus was significantly associated with hearing loss. The increases in tinnitus severity were associated with decreases in QoL, particularly regarding MOS SF-36 subscales “perception of health”, “social functioning”, and “mental health”. Regarding BSI, patients with greater tinnitus severity had more severe psychopathology symptoms, measured with scales “Obsessive–compulsive”, “Depression”, “Anxiety”, “Hostility” and “Phobic Anxiety”. Our study supports the notion of the negative impact of increased tinnitus severity on QoL and psychological distress in older adults. Presented data strengthen the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tinnitus assessment and treatment.

The impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress among the older adults: the mediating and moderating role of activities of daily living and perceived social support

Objectives Previous literature has shown that chronic diseases and psychological distress are correlated. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the role played by activities of daily living (ADL) and perceived social support. Method Face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys were conducted with 3250 valid participants (age ≥60 years). Participants were assessed using the Barthel Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Results 1) Chronic diseases had a significant direct effect on psychological distress in older adults; 2) the relationship between chronic diseases and psychological distress was partially mediated by ADL; and 3) the impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress was significantly moderated by perceived social support. More importantly, perceived social support was a protective factor that could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of chronic diseases on psychological distress. Conclusion The results add to the existing literature by uncovering the underlying mechanisms between chronic diseases and mental health. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of mental health problems in older adults.

Ageism and Psychological Distress in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem and Body Image

Ageist attitudes have been associated with negative physical consequences and psychological distress among older adults. Although holding a positive self-image and body image contributes to well-being among older adults, their combined effect on the consequences of ageism has not been examined. Accordingly, the current study examines the moderating role of both variables on the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults. Data were collected from 383 older adults (age range = 60-90; M = 71.44; SD = 6.62), who filled out scales assessing ageism, self-esteem, body image, and psychological distress. Psychological distress was associated with reduced self-esteem and body image. In line with the moderation hypothesis, the ageism-distress link remained significant only for individuals with low levels of both self-esteem and body image. The discussion highlights the relevance of both self-esteem and body image as important personal resources which may buffer the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults.