US Pharm . 2007;32(6):HS33-HS37. Pain is a common and often
undertreated phenomenon in patients 65 and older that is often
attributed to physical injuries and trauma or may stem from a
range of disease states. One study conducted in 1997 found that
18% of older Americans take analgesics several times a week or
more and 45% of patients taking chronic medications had visited
three or more doctors within the previous five years.1 In
addition, an estimated 45% to 80% of nursing home residents
experience pain that contributes to a decreased quality of life
(QOL) and limited functional ability.2 Persistent pain in older
patients is commonly associated with depression, anxiety,
impaired ambulation, sleep disturbances, and decreased
socialization.3 Increasing awareness of barriers to care, age-
related physiologic changes, and concomitant diseases and
medications that will impact drug selection is especially
important for health professionals caring for the growing
elderly population to ensure safe and effective pain