Depression and Pain among Older Adults

The authors of a recent study published in Orthopaedic Nursing

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examined evidence among older adults that suggests that "depression and chronic pain co-occur, and both experiences tend to worsen as the number of comorbidities increases." The results indicate that the "majority of participants reported the presence of bodily pain," and that "more severe pain correlated with a higher number of comorbidities and worsening depression." The authors conclude that the "prevalence and impact of pain and other co-occurring conditions suggest their importance in planning care for the elderly with arthritis."

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Chronic Leg Pain among Older Adults

The authors of a recent study published in Pain Management Nursing "aimed to develop a grounded theory to describe and explain the experience of pain and its impact, as reported by older adults who had pain associated with chronic leg ulceration." The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 11 older adults age 65 and older, who were cared for by home care nurses." The authors found that "ulcer pain has acute properties, and if this is not managed effectively, or ulcers do not heal, persistent pain may develop with severe comorbidities." The authors conclude that "health care professionals must understand and acknowledge the persistent and long-term nature of pain in this patient group."

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Barriers to Self-Reporting Pain among Older Adults

The authors of a recent study published in the British Journal of

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