Pain in Older Adults: Epidemiology,Impact and Barriers to Management

Abstract

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There will be increased numbers of older adults in society in the next few decades.

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Older adults are more likely to have pain problems and other co-morbidities.

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Generally pain is poorly managed in older adults and this becomes worse when cognitive impairment exists.

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The impact of chronic pain on older adults will be greater than that of their younger counterparts in terms of social isolation.

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Attitudes and barriers exist in both the older adults themselves and their younger counterparts.