April 7 marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is celebrated as World Health Day. WHO is a global organization made up of 194 Member States that work to share scientific information so that everyone has an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. For over 20 years, WHO has recognized chronic pain as one of the most “underestimated health care problems in the world,” affecting the individual’s quality of life as well as the health care system as a whole. While chronic pain is not a normal part of aging, older adults are particularly vulnerable since it increases with age.
Chronic pain in older adults
Chronic pain is pain that lasts or recurs for three months or longer; it can be the disease itself like fibromyalgia or caused by disease like cancer. Recovery from injuries or surgeries and long-term health conditions can also contribute to ongoing discomfort. This pain can create a functional disability, preventing the person from doing daily activities, and interfering with sleep, mood, mobility, and social engagement.
Over the past decades, chronic pain has increased in the older adult population. In fact, up to 75% of seniors have low back pain with 60% of those experiencing functional disability because of it. For those over 65, pain typically is due to:
· Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are leading sources of chronic pain. Inflammation around the joints can make tasks like climbing stairs, gardening, or even opening containers challenging and uncomfortable.
· Back and spine issues. Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs can cause persistent back pain. This discomfort may radiate to the legs or hips, limiting mobility and daily activities.
· Neuropathy (nerve pain). Often linked to conditions such as diabetes or nerve compression, neuropathy can manifest as tingling, numbness, or shooting pains in the hands and feet. These sensations can hinder balance and increase the risk of falls.
· Osteoporosis. Low bone density raises the likelihood of small fractures, particularly in vertebrae. These fractures can lead to lingering back pain, making prolonged standing or walking difficult.
· Post-surgical recovery. Surgical procedures may require longer recovery times in seniors, and scar tissue or inflammation can prolong discomfort.
· Fibromyalgia. Though less common among older adults than arthritis, fibromyalgia can cause widespread musculoskeletal pain alongside fatigue and mood disturbances.
Addressing chronic pain
Without treatment, chronic pain can begin a vicious cycle: limited mobility leads to fewer activities, which in turn may cause social isolation, anxiety, or depression—and each of these factors can intensify the perception of pain. And because chronic pain often means having pain in multiple places, managing symptoms can be difficult.
Obviously, both over-the-counter medication and prescriptions play an important role in effective pain management plans. Non-pharmacological approaches can also help. Here are five drug-free methods that can help manage chronic pain:
1. Gentle exercise. Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming can improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. Studies have shown that yoga reduces pain and increases function in as little as 12 weeks for those with low back pain.
2. Physical therapy. Physical therapists develop tailored exercise programs to target specific problem areas. Research has found that when physical therapy was used within three months of musculoskeletal pain, individuals are less likely to need opioids in the months following.
3. Mindfulness and meditation. Stress can increase pain while decreasing pain thresholds. Guided meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness activities can ease tension in the body, reduce stress hormones, and help individuals maintain focus on the present rather than on discomfort.
4. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on reducing pain by changing physical sensations, catastrophic thinking, and self-defeating behavior. By learning healthier coping strategies, the intensity and emotional toll of chronic pain can be reduced.
5. Assistive devices. Daily tasks can contribute to chronic pain and fatigue; devices can reduce pressure and discomfort, so activities can be more manageable. For example, canes, walkers, and braces can help support weight, reducing strain on painful joints.
Professional caregivers can also play a critical role in helping seniors with chronic pain live a more comfortable life. They can:
· closely monitor changes in pain levels, triggers, or related challenges to ensure ongoing treatment plans match needs.
· assist and support with hands-on help and encouragement for consistent follow-through in exercises or activities.
· provide emotional companionship and help build resilience through social engagement and interaction.
To honor World Health Day, remember that health is more than just the absence of disease—it’s about living fully at every stage of life. No one should have to face chronic pain alone. Our seniors with chronic pain deserve care, compassion, and choices, so they can have a quality of life that brings active joy and ongoing hope.
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Sources: WHO; NCOA; Mayo Clinic; Harvard Health; Brown Health; Anesthesia; American Journal of Psychiatry; Medicine (Baltimore); PainScale;