Living with chronic pain as an older adult? You have options to feel better
We all experience pain at some point in our lives. But living with ongoing pain can be frustrating. For aging adults, some days may feel harder than others, especially when it becomes difficult to complete your usual activities.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for 3 months or longer.1 It may come and go, or it may be there most of the time. It’s more common than many people realize — nearly 25% of adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain.2 And more than 36% of adults over 65 experience ongoing pain.2 Along those same lines, high-impact chronic pain — defined as lasting 3 months or longer and significantly restricting life activities — showed up in 13.5% adults 65 and over in the past 3 months.2 Even so, many people don’t get the support they need to manage it well.1
Chronic pain may not go away completely. But there are ways to find relief while doing more of what matters to you as you enter new seasons of life.
What causes chronic pain?
Everyone’s experience with pain is different, and the cause isn’t always clear. Sometimes, there’s more than one reason behind it.1
Common causes of pain include:
- Arthritis or inflammation
- Back or neck issues
- Headaches or migraines
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Past injury or surgery
Why pain relief matters for older or disabled adults
Chronic pain may affect more than just your body. You may notice it’s harder to:
- Enjoy hobbies or leave home
- Sleep well or feel rested
- Spend time with friends and family
- Stay active or keep up with routines
Chronic pain and depression are closely connected, and each may affect the other.3 Living with ongoing pain may make you feel frustrated, tired, stressed or isolated, especially when it limits your mobility. These feelings are natural, but they may make the pain feel more intense.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how pain is affecting your life, not just where your body hurts.
Tell your primary care provider about your pain
You don’t have to figure out how to manage chronic pain on your own. Talking with your primary care provider is a good place to start.4
Your provider can help you understand what may be causing your pain. During your visit, they may ask:
- When did the pain start?
- Where do you feel it?
- How often does it happen?
- What makes it better or worse?
Be open about how pain is affecting your daily life. You can also bring up any concerns, including questions about medications or other treatments. Your provider can answer questions, talk through options and help you decide what may work best for you. 4
Pain management strategies
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain. It may take time to figure out what works best for your body and routine. Many people benefit from a blend of approaches, including:
- Gentle physical activity – Walking, stretching and other light movement can help keep your muscles strong and your body moving comfortably5
- Healthier eating – Choose a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats6
- Hot or cold therapy – Heating pads or ice packs may reduce inflammation and ease discomfort7
- Physical therapy – Exercises and guided movement may improve your strength and flexibility7
- Relaxation techniques – Deep breathing or meditation may allow you to release tension7
- Talk therapy – Support from a professional may help you cope with how pain affects your thoughts, feelings and daily life7
- Medications, if needed – Your provider can prescribe medications and explain how to take them safely
Find support through your plan
If pain is affecting your daily life, it’s worth talking about. Start by scheduling an appointment with your provider. Together, you can create a plan that fits your needs and your routine. To find a provider, sign in to your member site and look for Find Care.
You can also explore your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. You may have access to programs, tools and resources to help you stay active and feel well.
Share
