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

Pablo Monteagudo, Alessandra De Maria, Ainoa Roldán, Jordi Monferrer-Marín, Sacramento Pinazo-Hernandis, Cristina Blasco-Lafarga, Department of Education and Specific Didactics, University Jaume I, Sport Performance and Physical Fitness Research Group , University of Valencia, Department of Movement, and Health Sciences, University of Rome , Foro Italico, Physical Education and Sports Department, University of Valencia, Social Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Published online on November 28, 2025

Abstract

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Ahead of Print.
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 ...