The relationship between perceived ageism and psychological distress levels in 60+ individuals living in Antalya city center during the COVID-19 period

Objective: This research aims to determine the statistical significancy of connection regarding to levels of psychological distress, perceived ageism and sociodemographic factors for individuals who are above 60 years old and live-in city center of Antalya during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: One of the quantitative research methods, the survey procedure has used in this research for the collection of data. Stratified sampling technique, which is one of the probability sampling methods, was used in the research and a total of 400 individuals participated in the research. The individuals who participate to the research were determined on a voluntary basis and surveys were planned to be applied in direct conversations. However, due to current the current pandemic conditions, data was also collected simultaneously via internet. Statistical analyses have completed with SPPS 23 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23). Data evaluation was conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Chi-Square and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: A correlation between perceived discrimination based on age and psychological distress; in such that as psychological distress increases as age discrimination increases. Occupation, smoking, the effect of COVID-19 measures, "social, psychological, economic and physiological" effect of such measures relates to psychological distress. Perceived income, number of household members, the period where restriction measures were taken (between 18.11.2020 and 02.03.2021), and perceived age discrimination had a tangible correlation. Conclusion: The increase of age discrimination rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic has an adverse psychological effect on the older population. Certain measures were taken to protect the older adults from the detrimental implications of the disease, who were classified as high risk. It is imperative that practices to be done for the older adults, whose lives were socially, psychologically, economically and physiologically affected by the measures taken. Key words: COVID-19, ageism, psychological distress, old age