Pain Management in the Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pain Management
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy leads to more octogenarians and nonagenarians in clinical settings.
• Older adults often present with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy, complicating pain management.
• Chronic pain, frequently linked to degenerative conditions, poses significant challenges in elderly patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and collate existing evidence on best practices for pain management in older adults.
• To provide guidance for clinicians managing pain in the elderly population.
• To address the complexities of pain management in octogenarians and nonagenarians.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of available literature.
• Collated evidence on pain management strategies for older adults.
• Focused on clinical practice guidelines and research findings.

Main Results:

• Evidence synthesis on effective pain management in the elderly.
• Identification of challenges and best practices for managing chronic pain in older adults.
• Consideration of comorbidities and polypharmacy in treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

• Effective pain management in older adults requires a comprehensive approach.
• Addressing polypharmacy and comorbidities is crucial for successful pain control.
• Further research is needed to optimize pain management strategies for the aging population.