Pain in older adults

Abstract Pain is a common problem for many older adults. Estimates are that more than 50% of older adults experience pain on a regular basis. We provide an overview of pain, including definitions, types of pain, and pain theories and their evolution over time. The study of pain and aging is relatively new, and a history of this area of clinical and research attention is reviewed. We discuss the epidemiology of pain in older adults, age-changes in pain, factors that contribute to pain, and consequences of pain in this population. Pain management requires systematic assessment and effective pain treatment. Strategies for measuring pain are described, including an overview of pain assessment in people with dementia, an area in which substantial advancements have been made. Pain treatment is optimized when a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies are used; an overview of pain treatment options is presented.