Chronic pain among older people

• Age frequently carries the burden of diseases, many of which in turn are associated with discomfort and various complaints. Chronic pain is such a common complaint and is an important issue in the care of older people, and perhaps the most important problem in their daily lives. It is known to, alone or together with other factors, negatively affect an older person's quality of life. Examples of covariates to chronic pain are functional limitations, fatigue, sleeping problems, and depressed mood/depression. All these factors have been found to be more prevalent among people with chronic pain, but studies about these topics (in relation to pain) in older people are sparce, especially those focusing on fatigue and sleeping problems. Also the need for care and treatment is found to increase with increased degree of pain, especially among those with musculoskeletal pain. Despite this, studies focusing on chronic pain, pain management, and quality of life among older people (especially the oldest and frailest) are limited, and a pharmacological approach to diminishing pain dominates in the literature. A broad view is needed when studying pain as well as when caring for people in pain. This is especially important when the pain cannot be fully removed, and relief from suffering through other factors leading to increased quality of life is a more realistic option.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

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