Seniors and Pain

Pain in older adults is an epidemic. In fact, research has shown that half of adults who live independently and three-fourths who live in a care facility suffer from persistent pain. If that wasn’t enough, 80% of Americans age 65 and over have one chronic disease and 30% have three or more chronic diseases.

And, as the population grows, so will the number of people who need care and support to live comfortably.


By 2010…

• One out of three American workers will be over 50 years old
• Baby Boomers will begin to join the ranks of older Americans
• The number of Americans age 65 or over will reach 40 million

By 2030…

• Baby Boomers will be between the ages of 66 and 84, resulting in the greatest burden yet seen on Social Security and health care
• The number of Americans 65 or over will reach nearly 72 million
• One out of five people will be 65 or over

The time to put an end to this suffering is now. If you are an older adult, or a caregiver looking after an older adult, please consult the numerous articles, tips and resources the NPF has collected below. The pieces are divided into five sections:

• Tips and Information
• Professional Resources
• Toolkit
• Information for the Homebound
• Elder Care (specifically for caregivers)

Within these sections, you will find information about treatment and care options, communication advice, coping strategies, legal and medical assistance and much more.

As always, we are very interested in your feedback and comments! Please let us know if there is anything else you would like to see discussed on this area of the NPF site by contacting us.