Assessing pain in older adults.

WHY: Studies on pain in older adults (persons 65 years of age and older) have demonstrated that 25%45% of community dwelling older people have chronic pain. 45-85% of nursing home residents also report pain that is often left untreated. Although there is minimal research that strictly focuses on pain in older adults, studies with younger participants have elucidated associations between pain and depression. Increased pain has further resulted in decreased socialization, impaired ambulation and increased healthcare utilization and costs. Older adults are reluctant to report pain: therefore, nurses need to be proactive in screening for and assessing pain.