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Published on: March 11, 2022
Pain experience of the elderly.
Sylvia T Brown1, Mary K Kirkpatrick, Melvin S Swanson
1East Carolina University College of Nursing, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. brownsy@ecu.edu
Summary
Over 90% of elderly individuals experience pain, with most reporting significant discomfort. Inactivity was identified as the most effective pain management strategy for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic pain significantly impacts the elderly, often leading to silent suffering.
- Effective pain management strategies for older adults are crucial for maintaining quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pain in community-dwelling older adults.
- To describe the pain experience of the elderly.
- To identify pain management strategies used by the elderly.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive research design was employed.
- Data was collected from community-dwelling older adults regarding their pain experience.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of elderly participants reported pain in the past month.
- Musculoskeletal pain was the most common type of pain.
- Inactivity was reported as the most effective pain-reducing strategy.
Conclusions:
- Pain is highly prevalent among community-dwelling elderly, necessitating improved healthcare provider interventions.
- Understanding the multidimensional pain experience is vital for effective pain relief in older adults.
- Continued research is imperative given demographic shifts and the high prevalence of pain in the elderly.
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