If your loved one is among the CDC-cited 24.3% of American adults with chronic pain, getting them up and moving can be challenging. After all, 8.5% of people’s pain regularly limits life activities.
Things can be even more challenging when your loved one is a senior. Older adults often have mobility issues that make chronic pain almost unmanageable.
Here, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of pain management for seniors. Read on to learn how you can help an older loved one manage their pain effectively.
What Is Chronic Pain?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic pain is a pervasive pain that lasts for over three months. Many people with chronic pain have it for life. Not all sources of this pain have a cure, but they can be treated with professionals.
Chronic pain can stem from several different causes. Common ones include:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Fibromyalgia
Underlying factors also include things like:
- Obesity
- Past injuries
- Excessive stress
- Bad sleep habits
- Autoimmune disorders
Regardless of the cause, chronic pain can severely impact the lifestyle of those suffering from it. It can put a damper on socialization and decrease the overall quality of life.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone experiences chronic pain in the same way. Some people have constant, dull aching; others have periodic sharp jolts of unbearable-feeling pain.
Aging and Chronic Pain: A Guide
According to the CDC, instances of chronic pain increase with age. Only 8.5% of adults under 29 suffered from chronic pain. By the age of 45-64, that figure rose to 25.8%.
The oldest group of people surveyed were aged 65 and older. 30.8% of seniors surveyed suffered from chronic pain. 11.8% more contended with high-impact chronic pain that significantly interfered with daily activities.
Another study publishes in the National Library of Medicine associated chronic pain with older adults. Specifically, they noted that seniors aren’t well-represented in clinical trials. Because of this, treatments aren’t always made for seniors in the same way that they’re tailored for younger people.
This is especially problematic since chronic pain can lead to:
- Bad moods
- An inability to participate in fun activities
- Higher levels of depression
- Accelerated cognitive decline
- Difficulty documenting pain
- Complicated treatments
- Higher risks of premature death
Elderly pain relief solutions should be a priority for older adults. Families of suffering seniors must get help implementing chronic pain management tips. A good senior living community can offer tips and tricks that lead to pain management for seniors.
Senior Health Tips for Coping With Pain
The first step toward helping older adults cope with chronic pain is to assess the causes. This means getting an accurate evaluation of the pain by talking with healthcare professionals.
Older adults should tell them their exact chronic pain symptoms. They should answer questions honestly and, if possible, rate their pain on a numeric 1-10 scale. Some healthcare providers use visual analog scales to document pain, too.
Once a senior gets a diagnosis for the cause of their pain, there are multiple approaches they can take to decrease its impact.
Helpful Medical Devices
Some seniors with conditions like arthritis and scoliosis simply need to take pressure off the affected joints, bones, and muscles.
Devices like canes and walkers offer something for them to lean on. They also help older adults walk more easily and improve mobility. This decreases pain effectively in the long term with minimal difficulty.
Orthotics are also ideal for those with knee and back problems. Seniors can have them custom-made for their precise foot shape and size. They go inside their shoes to make walking and balancing easier.
Medications
Some seniors also benefit from medication to manage pain. Prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be extremely beneficial for many people.
However, it’s important to use them as prescribed, which can be challenging for some older adults. Cognitive issues make organization and tracking challenging.
Luckily, the best Texas independent living community offers medication management help to those who need it.
Non-Invasive Techniques
Surgery is frequently used as a treatment option for younger adults with chronic pain. However, there are several risks associated with surgery for seniors. Some include:
- Postoperative delirium that affects 50% of all seniors post-surgery
- Difficulty waking up after anesthesia
- Long recovery periods for aging bodies
That’s why non-invasive chronic pain treatments are the better choice for most aging adults!
Physical therapy and guided exercise can help nip chronic pain in the bud. This is especially true when the classes are especially set up for seniors.
Engaging in meditation and breathing exercises can also make seniors feel more relaxed. Greater relaxation decreases:
- Anxiety
- Instances of bad sleep
- Muscle tension
- Inflammation of the joints
How Can a Woodlands, TX Independent Living Community Help?
Not only will a great senior living community help with care, but it will also ensure that seniors live a good lifestyle. Several lifestyle factors can contribute to higher instances of chronic pain, including:
- Bad eating habits
- Poor sleep
- Not getting enough exercise
- Obesity because of a sedentary lifestyle
- Low levels of mental stimulation
Our Celebrations Activities and Events calendar is a great way to nip boredom in the bud. Some activities help to keep people flexible and mobile, including:
- Stretching groups
- Yoga classes
- Aerobics classes
The Dimensions Health and Fitness program goes the extra mile. Our top-notch Texas community has:
- Gym areas
- Weight-lifting spaces
- Fitness classes
- A great swimming pool
- Wii bowling
- Educational health and wellness classes
Combine this with the healthy chef-prepared meals we serve in a restaurant-style dining area, and residents have the resources they need to live a great lifestyle.
Get in Touch With Compassionate Care Professionals
Now that you know the ins and outs of managing chronic pain for older adults, it’s time to improve your quality of life by implementing top senior health tips.
Experts at The Conservatory at Alden Bridge are committed to helping residents with pain management strategies. We offer wellness classes and gentle exercise groups to seniors looking to increase their strength and get their pain under control.
Contact our Woodlands community to schedule a tour of our comfortable amenities!
