Caroline Abrahams
Charity Director, Age UK
Older people often see pain as a natural part of ageing, but this is a misconception. They should not have to live in pain, especially if it is serious and chronic. Older people must have access to treatment and support.
Cultural, spiritual and social factors can influence the experience of pain, which may also change over time. Untreated pain can feel and be exhausting and frustrating, especially when everyday activities — such as washing and dressing, shopping and food preparation — become a challenge and sometimes avoided. Finding yourself in this position is particularly frightening if you are living alone.
Importance of pain intervention for older people
Uncontrolled pain is serious for older people. Under-reporting, under-recognition and under-treatment by healthcare professionals are sadly common. The knock-on effects can include delayed recovery from illness and the need for more GP and hospital visits.
Pain can lead to depression and anxiety, lack of sleep, undernutrition and dehydration, which in turn increase the risk of falls, fractures and further deterioration and difficulties in managing long-term conditions. Pain can also increase the risk of loneliness and impact negatively on wellbeing more generally.
Non-pharmacological interventions can help
some older people to manage their pain.
Factors that affect pain management
Older people with dementia or cognitive impairment may find it difficult to express their pain. Health and social care professionals should have the communication skills to draw out a verbal response. If that is not possible, they must have training and access to validated tools to help measure the experience of pain in another way.
Pain management in older people is often challenging and can become more difficult. This is partly because some find it hard to explain the quality and intensity of their pain and its impact on their lives but also because of the greater likelihood of adverse drug reactions, whether due to taking multiple medications reacting badly with each other or analgesic side effects.
Medication and non-pharmacological interventions
Non-pharmacological interventions can help some older people to manage their pain. They include exercise and stretching, aromatherapy, mindfulness, heat and cold. Some older people prefer a self-managed programme while others like the active support of family and friends.
Medication and non-pharmacological interventions help some older people gain better control over their pain and enjoy a better quality of life. Certainly, older people, families and carers should ensure that all pain is assessed by a healthcare professional and that any prescribed medications are available and do not run out.
