Minor Ailments in Older Adults: A Study of Prevalence and Health-Related Behaviors

With chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension garnering much needed attention in health care, minor ailments can go somewhat unnoticed.

To quantify prevalence, symptom burden, and health-related behaviors relative to 31 minor ailments in older adults.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 1 Canadian province. Participants were asked about symptoms experienced over a 2-week period, the disruption to daily activities they incurred, and treatment actions undertaken.

Three-hundred and fifty-six adults with an average age of 72.8 years completed a questionnaire. Participants reported an average of 6.2 ailments over the time period. Back pain (46.9%), joint pain (44.4%), and insomnia (38.5%) were most common. The vast majority had been an issue for longer than 2 weeks. OTC medicines were the most common treatment choice in 16 situations, while doing nothing/watchful waiting was the main recourse in 13. OTC medication was common for headache (63.2%) and heartburn (61.2%), while doing nothing/watchful waiting was common for tinnitus (80.5%) and loneliness (74.2%). Satisfaction and confidence in self-management were highest for acute conditions like headache and cold sores.

Minor ailments are common and diverse in older adults, with many chronic in nature, and a tendency for proactive self-care.