Managing Pain in Older Adults

By 2050, nearly a quarter of Americans will be age 65 or older. This demographic shift magnifies the need for safe and effective interventions that help maintain functional ability and independence among older adults. Restoring and optimizing musculoskeletal health is central to that effort. Approximately one third of individuals 65 years of age and older report consistent musculoskeletal pain several years in duration; an additional one third report chronic episodic pain. Generalized musculoskeletal pain has been identified as an independent risk factor for mobility limitations in those over the age of 75. This, coupled with a heightened risk of falls, contributes to a reduced quality of life for older adults. Kinesiophobia and a poor sense of self-efficacy contribute to the negative impact musculoskeletal conditions may have on older adults. Each of these threatens older adults’ ability to live independently, contribute to their communities, participate in paid or unpaid work, and manage other chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Complementary and integrative healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to offer non-drug, non-surgical options for pain management in older adults. This includes the use of both active and passive therapeutic modalities, as well as psycho-social support and lifestyle modification. Importantly, understanding the unique perspectives and expectations of this population can enhance outcomes and support the therapeutic alliance between and individual and their provider.