As age catches up, so do aches and pains. Seniors are often managing and living with chronic pain. It can be a temporary phase following an injury or surgery, or it can last for months and even for the rest of their lives. Living with constant pain is no walk in the park and a senior needs sympathy and support to help deal with it.
Seniors mistakenly think that chronic pain comes with age and they have to learnto live with it. They manage the best way they can even if it means giving up on the lifestyle that they were used to. But, chronic pain can be diagnosed and treatments and pain management methods can be used to deal with the pain and improve quality of life.
Causes of chronic pain
Treating chronic pain
There are many ways to treat pain in seniors. Some of them include:-
Ways to help seniors cope with pain
Listen to them
Seniors are dealing with constant pain and some of them may complain incessantly. It may be annoying to the younger generation but you should lend them an ear. It shows that you care. It is also a way to monitor their pain levels.
Ask them how they feel
The question is enough to make a senior feel cared for. But some seniors hate complaining about their health, either because it makes them feel weak or they are just not the complaining sort. There are certain signs that may indicate that they are in pain.
If chronic pain in seniors is ignored, it may lead to other health conditions. If the pain is an indication of some illness, it may become too late before treatment is given. Chronic pain without relief can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, social withdrawal, lethargy and loss of appetite.
You should pay attention and make an appointment with a doctor immediately if:-
It is a sad fact that pains increase in seniors due to the rigours of aging as well as health conditions. But, the good news is that medicines, treatments, nursing and caregiving have improved considerably that your senior can be made comfortable and have a quality life as they grow old.
