Pain in Older Adults: Epidemiology, Impact and Barriers to Management

<jats:p> • There will be increased numbers of older adults in society in the next few decades. • Older adults are more likely to have pain problems and other co-morbidities. • Generally pain is poorly managed in older adults and this becomes worse when cognitive impairment exists. • The impact of chronic pain on older adults will be greater than that of their younger counterparts in terms of social isolation. • Attitudes and barriers exist in both the older adults themselves and their younger counterparts. </jats:p>