Ageism and Quality of Life in Older Adults: The Roles of Self-Disgust and Psychological Distress

Abstract

This study examined psychological correlates of quality of life (QoL) among older adults in a Latin American context, focussing on the roles of ageism, self-disgust, and psychological distress. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine the incremental contribution of sociodemographic factors, three dimensions of ageism, self-disgust, and psychological distress to QoL among 272 Colombian older adults (mean age = 68.40, SD = 6.80). Findings indicated that interpersonal experiences of ageism, but not exposure to ageist messages or self-ageism, were associated with poorer QoL. Higher self-disgust and psychological distress were independently associated with lower QoL and formed part of a significant indirect association between interpersonal ageism and QoL. These findings suggest that quality of life in later adulthood is associated not only with structural and sociodemographic conditions, but also with psychological processes through which age-related stigma may be experienced and internalised. Interventions that reduce interpersonal ageism while promoting self-acceptance and more positive views of ageing may represent promising avenues for supporting wellbeing and quality of life in older adults.