Older Adults Report Persistent Pain as Overwhelming Burden
A recent survey reveals nearly 70% of adults aged 55+ experience persistent pain that interferes with daily life. Few find their pain management effective.
A survey released during Pain Awareness Month by the Alliance for Aging Research highlights the significant impact of persistent pain on older adults and their caregivers. The study, involving nearly 1,000 adults aged 55 and older and 500 unpaid caregivers, details how pain, lack of consistent relief, and extensive time spent managing pain affect daily life.
According to the findings, close to 70% of consumer respondents report that persistent pain interferes with their daily activities, either a lot or a moderate amount. Among caregivers, 79% report that their loved one's persistent pain significantly hinders their daily activities.
Despite the burden, pain management is largely ineffective for many. Only 6% of consumer respondents found their pain management approach to be very effective, while 28% deemed it "not very effective" or "not at all effective."
The survey also indicated that over 69% of consumers report pain relief lasting 4 to 6 hours or less, pointing to a need for improved and more individualized pain management strategies.