Growing Older Doesn’t Have To Be Painful (NAPSA)}—Upto 50 percent of elderly people living at home and up to 80 percent of elderly people living in nursing homes suffer from important pain problems of Caregivers may help relieve the suffering oftheir loved ones by learning to recognize someof the behavioral responsesrelated various origins. In fact, the incidence of pain was twice as great in those over age 60 than in those 60 and under. Yet, despite the to pain: among elderly people, many are not treated adequately and con- Changesin role performance Alterations in sleep pattern widespread occurrence of pain tinueto suffer. For a variety of reasons, elderly patients themselves will not discuss their pain. Manyolder people consider pain to be a natural part of the aging process that cannot be treated, while others fear that reporting pain may reveal the presence of a serious disease. In addition, older patients will often not report pain in order to avoid the possible side effects of the medications that may be pre- Changesin mood Social withdrawalandisolation Increased worryor anxiety @ social situations, trouble sleeping, anxiety and a loss of appetite. In addition, chronic pain may also hinder a person’s mobility and even independence. Fortunately, effective treat- ments for pain are available and it is important for elderly patients to realize that pain can be man- aged. Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs scribed or to avoid bothering or annoying their caregivers and physicians. Finally, because older gesics and opioids are commonly used for pain management, as are mental impairments as a result of activity modification. patients may be at the mercy of stroke or Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not even able to express the pain they suffer to their health care providers. Older people are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions and as a result have a higher risk of experiencing chronic pain. In fact, up to 80 percent of people older than 65 are thought to have arthritis, a major cause of chronic pain. And according to the American Pain Foundation, approxi- mately 20 percent of people older than 60 suffer from chronic pain as a result of arthritis, joint pain or back pain. Other conditions that commonly are associated with chronic pain in theelderly are: Cancer Diabetes Back pain Physical disability The physical and emotional distress that elderly patients must endure due to chronic pain is undeniable. Because of its unre- lenting nature, chronic pain often causes depression, avoidance of (NSAIDs), other non-opioid anal- non-drug treatments, such as Caregivers may help their loved ones seek appropriate treatmentandfind relief for their pain. By learning to recognize the symptoms of chronic pain and by encouraging a dialogue about pain with their physician, caregivers can help their loved ones speak up about their suffering and learn not to shy away from sharing their pain with their physicians. Additionally, Partners Against Pain (PAP)is a valuable resource for patients, caregivers and med- ical professionals to learn more about pain management. PAP offers tools to help you manage pain, such as a Pain Control Record and a Pain Control Plan. For additional information about pain management, consult with your doctor or a pain specialist. You can also get free information from Partners Against Pain at www.partnersagainstpain.com or by writing Partners Against Pain at One Stamford Forum, Depart- ment M, Stamford, Connecticut, 06901-3431.
