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Helping Senior Loved Ones With Chronic Pain
According to the CDC, over 50 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain, and nearly 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain. Among older adults, the numbers are even more staggering—about 65% of adults over age 65 suffer from chronic pain, impacting everything from mobility to mood. In long-term care settings, over half of residents report pain that affects their daily functioning.
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But chronic pain doesn’t have to steal a person’s independence or joy. Penney Cowan, founder of the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA), knows this firsthand. After experiencing her own challenges with chronic pain, she started the ACPA to educate and empower others like her.
Improving Quality of Life
“I didn’t want to return to being a patient after I attended a pain management workshop,” Cowan says. “I wanted to live fully—and show others that they can, too.”
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The ACPA helps people become active participants in their care, rather than passive sufferers, and aims to close the communication gap between patients and providers.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Pain that lasts for at least three months—though not necessarily daily—is considered chronic. When it disrupts life at least four days per week, it becomes classified as high-impact. For seniors, causes often include arthritis, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and back issues. Chronic pain can interfere with sleep, appetite, mental health, and overall well-being.
How Family Can Help
Loved ones play a vital role in chronic pain care. Cowan emphasizes the importance of having access to provider instructions and being involved in the treatment plan—especially for older adults, who may struggle to fully explain their symptoms or needs.
Because pain is subjective, the ACPA developed a Quality of Life Scale to help quantify its impact—from 0 (nonfunctioning) to 10 (full functionality). Without understanding a person’s level of pain, it’s difficult to create an effective care plan.
Three Steps to Chronic Pain Management
1. Start with a Doctor’s Visit
Even over-the-counter medications can cause serious complications—especially in seniors—so treatment should always begin with a healthcare provider. They can recommend safer approaches and rule out harmful interactions.
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2. Join a Support Group
Support groups provide validation, encouragement, and shared solutions. They also combat the isolation that often accompanies pain.
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3. Reclaim Joy and Activity
Even if some abilities have been lost, new routines and self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and gentle movement can help. Cowan also recommends exploring non-medication therapies like acupuncture, nutrition counseling, and biofeedback.
Tips for Caregivers
Caring for someone with chronic pain can be unpredictable. Some days are harder than others, and patience is key. Cowan urges caregivers to validate their loved one’s pain without judgment and offer positive distractions—music, art, even modeling clay can redirect attention.
The ACPA offers resources like The Art of Pain Management and communication tools that can help caregivers and loved ones better navigate daily life.
Final Thoughts
Chronic pain is not a normal part of aging, and it shouldn’t be accepted as such. “Older adults often feel like they shouldn’t complain,” Cowan says, “but they can live a full, active life despite the pain. You just have to recondition your thinking. It’s challenging, but not impossible. I’m living proof.”