Authors: Gibson, Stephen J.¹; Farrell, Michael²

Source: Reviews in Analgesia, Volume 8, Number 1, 2004 , pp. 23-37(15)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

Abstract:

Despite the massive demographic shift in age composition of the world's population, there has been relatively little study of how age might impact on the pain experience. An age-related increase in the prevalence of persistent pain has been well documented, but most studies of clinical disease document a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of pain symptoms with advancing age. Evidence from studies of experimental pain suggests a differential age effect across the pain intensity spectrum, with a diminished response to mild pain and greater vulnerability to strong pain sensations. There are many reasons for altered pain perception and report in older adults, including age differences in the nociceptive pathways, psychological factors such as greater stoicism and the contribution of more indirect influences, like increased comorbid disease and loss of social support networks. The aging population will place an increased demand on existing pain services and require new and innovative evidence-based treatment guidelines in order to meet the special needs of older persons with bothersome pain. Additional research efforts are needed to meet this important challenge and improve treatment strategies for managing the widespread pain and suffering in the older segments of our community.

Keywords: Pain perception; Age-related differences; Treatment strategies

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia 3052, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3052, Caulfield Pain Management and Research Centre, Caulfield, VIC, Australia 3162 2: National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia 3052, Howard Florey Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia 3050

Publication date: 2004-01-01

More about this publication?

• Previously published as Analgesia

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Animal Culture ,  Pharmacology ,  Veterinary Medicine
• By this author: Gibson, Stephen J. ;  Farrell, Michael

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers