title: Overview of Pain Management in Older Adults.
abstract: Epidemiological data suggests that the prevalence of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain increases with age until at least late mid-life, though the pattern is somewhat unclear beyond this point. And though the prevalence of some types of pain may peak in late midlife, pain is still a substantial and common complaint even in the oldest age groups. This article provides an overview of later-life pain and includes a brief review of its epidemiology, describes commonly encountered barriers to its management, and discusses guidelines and recommended approaches to its assessment and management.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Division, National Ageing Research Institute, 34-48 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. Electronic address: s.savvas@nari.unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Savvas
authors.affiliation: Clinical Division, National Ageing Research Institute, 34-48 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D015995:Prevalence
keywords: Barriers; Cognitive impairment; Older; Pain; Pain management; Prevalence