Pain: The Neglect Issue in Old People's Life

Abstract

BACKGROUND:As the elderly population increases dramatically, the chronic age-related disease should be noted. In the elderly, chronic pain is a common health problem.METHODS:This search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase). We have reviewed articles related to pain management in the elderly.RESULT:The prevalence of pain in people aged above 60 is twice that in younger people. Pain is estimated to be 45-85 per cent in the elderly. Pain is not a part of the ageing process, but many older people can experience it. Perception of pain can be affected by environmental, emotional, cultural and cognitive factors. Pain in the elderly often remains untreated and misdiagnosed.CONCLUSION:Pain management in elderly needs different approach because of unreported pain in this population, and usually they have multiple problems and comorbidities that complicate evaluation and treatment.

Extent of and factors associated with pain among older residents in nursing homes in South Korea: A nationwide survey study

“…[1][2][3] Pain among older nursing home residents is prevalent, but it is often underreported and untreated. [1][2][3] Pain among older nursing home residents is prevalent, but it is often underreported and untreated.…”

“…4 Besides individual factors, organizational factors, such as a lack of care workers with the relevant skill levels and skill-mix, can be barriers for appropriate pain management in nursing homes. 1 The prevalence of pain and its management among nursing home residents have been actively studied in North American and European countries with longer histories of formal institutional long-term care. 1 The prevalence of pain and its management among nursing home residents have been actively studied in North American and European countries with longer histories of formal institutional long-term care.…”

“…Pain, often called the fifth vital sign, is an indicator of quality of care and quality of life. [1][2][3] Pain among older nursing home residents is prevalent, but it is often underreported and untreated. [3][4][5] This is because pain is a subjective experience, and older nursing home residents are likely to have challenges in reporting their pain to caregivers properly due to decreases in cognitive and/or communication function.…”

“…6,7 Uncontrolled pain has negative impacts on older residents' daily activities and participation in social activities. 1 The prevalence of pain and its management among nursing home residents have been actively studied in North American and European countries with longer histories of formal institutional long-term care. Although the prevalence of pain among nursing home residents varies across studies, a recent large European study reported that approximately half of residents in nursing homes experienced pain, and one-quarter of those with pain did not have any pain medication.…”

The benefit of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata to improve quality of life in osteoarthritis patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…Chronic pain is the most common complaint among OA patients. 17 There is an important relationship between psychosocial factors and pain reporting in OA, particularly anxiety, depression, and social isolation. 18 Stiffness and gelling in OA have a contributions to functional limitations in OA patients, with well-documented associations of pain severity with degree of functional limitation.…”