Pain Management in Older Adults

Abstract

Treating pain in older adults can be complex because of the age-related physiologic changes, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Thus, an individualized, multimodal treatment approach is recommended. Treatment plans should include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies. Several important clinical guidelines and expert panel statements are available to guide health care providers in the best practices for treating pain in older adults. This article provides evidence-based recommendations for pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management in older adults.

Keywords: Older adults; Pain; Pain management; Pain treatment.