The Hidden Connection: Psychological Distress as a Mediator Between Physical Fitness and Loneliness in Older Adults

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are associations between physical fitness and loneliness in older adults, and whether these associations are mediated by psychological distress, an important factor which remains still controversial in this population. One hundred and thirteen older adults (71.71 ± 6.66 years; 75 women), were evaluated of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and upper limb strength), loneliness, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). Independent mediation analyses were run with PROCESS macro for SPSS. Cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and upper limb strength significantly and negatively predicted depression (all P < 0.050). Balance predicted significantly and negatively anxiety (P < 0.050). Depression predicted significantly and positively loneliness. Although we did not find any direct effect between physical fitness and loneliness, mediation analyses indicated that lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and upper limb strength were associated with higher loneliness via higher levels of depression. These findings support the idea that psychological distress (particularly depression) has an important role in the link between physical fitness and loneliness in older adults.