Objective:

To highlight the prevalence and management of existential distress in older adults with multimorbidity, particularly in the context of chronic illness.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Approximately one-third of older adults experience clinically meaningful existential or spiritual distress, with prevalence estimates rising to 40-60% among those with multimorbidity or serious illness.
• Existential distress is often expressed through somatic symptoms and mental disorders, contributing to under-recognition in clinical care.

Interpretation:

Existential distress significantly impacts quality of life and healthcare utilization among older adults, yet remains underrecognized in primary care settings.

Limitations:

• Lack of large, population-based studies with standardized definitions of existential distress limits understanding of its prevalence.
• Primary care clinicians face time constraints and insufficient training in recognizing and managing existential distress.

Conclusion:

A holistic approach integrating biopsychosocial-spiritual elements is essential for managing existential distress in older adults.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.