Finding the most fitting senior care option is extremely important so older adults can get the health support they need while enjoying their best quality of life. Because there are so many choices out there, it may feel overwhelming trying to find the option that best fits your needs. Every senior health option offers different levels of care and amenities, which can get confusing, especially when considering them all at once. The end goal, however, is to find an option that acts as a solution to a personal health need—no matter what that health need may be. This blog will provide an overview of the most common senior care options and some tips on how to navigate making this choice.  

Understanding Senior Care Options

Senior care options cover a wide range of services for older adults, designed to include both in-home and facility-based care, depending on preference and need. In-home care involves professionals coming directly to your home to help with daily tasks, medical procedures, and/or companionship. For example, in-home care may have a professional help you wash your dishes and do your laundry, administer your insulin for diabetes, and/or keep you company while you eat dinner. Facility-based care, on the other hand, involves living in a community or center where professional support is available at all times. This can range from basic assistance to full-time nursing care. 

Seniors and/or their caregivers should research the different care options available and assess their current needs and preferences to make a smart choice. By exploring many options, families can find the right fit, keeping their loved ones comfortable, safe, and happy, all while meeting their health needs.

Home Care Options for Seniors

There are a few common types of home care options that seniors can choose from depending on their needs, including: 

• In-Home Care [1]: Professional caregivers will come to your home to help you with basic tasks, medical needs, and/or companionship. Whether you need help with your chores, require someone to help you organize and administer your medication, or just feel lonely and want someone to keep you company, in-home care professionals have you covered. 

• Assisted Living [2]: Though commonly confused with nursing homes, assisted living communities allow seniors to feel independent while still getting the support they need. Assisted living communities are typically apartment or townhouse-style living spaces, where residents have private or shared spaces but have access to on-site assistance with tasks, medication management, and emergency needs. Assisted living communities often provide opportunities and shared spaces for social activities, like group meals and game nights. 

• Nursing Homes [3]: This is the highest level of care for seniors who may require extra medical attention and support. This type of facility is staffed 24 hours a day with doctors and nurses, in case of emergency health issues or conditions that require continuous care. 

Making the Right Choice

To find the senior care option that works best for you, make sure to assess your health needs/goals and lifestyle preferences. Do you prefer lots of social engagement, or do you prefer to stay more independent? Do you struggle with completing your daily tasks? Do you find the security of living in a community with healthcare professionals comforting? Knowing the answers to these questions on personal preference and health needs is important before you commit to a care option. Additionally, it is recommended that you compare the costs of the options you are considering with your current financial situation and budget. It may be helpful to make a chart of all your options and their costs, so you can see it mapped out in front of you. 

Healthcare professionals are here to help you, so use their vast insight to your advantage! Consulting with healthcare providers, care managers, and financial advisors is important for making the right decision about your health care. Your doctor can provide insight on the level of medical attention you require, which may help you choose between in-home care vs assisted living or nursing home facility. Care managers can help you weigh your preferences and figure out which living situation would make you the happiest, while still caring for your physical health. Finally, financial advisors help you understand the costs of care, and how this may fit into your budget. 

Senior Care Options at Greater Good Health

At Greater Good Health, we focus on providing care that is senior-focused, proactive, empathetic, accessible, and holistic. We are committed to offering you quality care in a variety of ways, including primary care, preventative care, chronic care management, and care coordination. Contact us today, and together, we can work towards meeting your health needs and goals!

Mammogram. Colonoscopy. CT scan. Prostate exam. If these words trigger anxiety or discomfort in you, you are not alone. The possibility of these screening exams finding a health problem that may be life-threatening can feel terrifying. You may think that having a fear of developing a disease or disorder would influence more people to get screened so they can potentially prevent it from happening, or catch it early. However, this is not always the case. People deal with anxiety and discomfort in different ways, and studies have shown that those who feel uncomfortable thinking about cancer are 12% less likely to get screened [1]. And, according to results from the Prevent Cancer Foundation 2024 Early Detection Survey, this fear or lack of initiative when it comes to attending screenings is apparent—the survey showed that nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults are behind on one or more routine cancer screenings [2]. 

Yes, health screenings can be daunting, but they help provide health insight to individuals each and every day. Screenings are crucial checkpoints that can help catch possible issues early before they turn into larger ones [3]. Whether you are a senior yourself or a caregiver hoping to ensure your loved ones are in good health, understanding these screenings can make a tremendous difference in managing health proactively and increasing quality of life. This blog post will explore the essential health screenings every senior should make appointments for, what they involve, and why they are vital. 

Why Seniors Should Prioritize Regular Health Checks

Health screenings are important for seniors because they help detect and manage chronic conditions before they become more serious or life-threatening. For example, regular screenings can help catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer early, before they become difficult to treat. Catching these issues early allows time for treatment and lifestyle changes that can prevent complications. We are lucky to have tests that can detect and identify issues early—so why not use them? It is no secret that many seniors already have chronic conditions [4]. Regular screenings are important for monitoring the progression of these conditions and for managing treatment. For example, routine blood tests can monitor the kidney function of those with diabetes. 

Common health risks for seniors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and more [5]. Thankfully, health screenings can address nearly all of these concerns by testing for signs of the development of these diseases/disorders and monitoring their progression. 

Benefits of Health Screenings for Seniors

• Early Detection and Prevention: Screenings can detect potential health issues before they become a bigger problem. This allows for early intervention and lifestyle adjustments to prevent the issue from worsening. By getting routine screenings, you take a proactive approach to your health, catching possible issues early or preventing them from arising. 

• Improved Management of Chronic Conditions: Getting screened regularly allows your doctor to monitor your conditions effectively. Conditions like diabetes and heart disease require regular monitoring to ensure that they aren’t progressing or worsening, and to test if medication and treatment are working effectively. Screenings help you adjust to treatments promptly, manage your symptoms properly, and reduce the risk of complications. 

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Catching and addressing health concerns early through screenings helps maintain your overall quality of life. By managing your health and well-being, you increase your ability to stay active, enjoy your days, and avoid debilitating conditions that may decrease your life satisfaction. 

• Informed Healthcare Decisions: Of course, your doctor will work with you to make the best decisions for your health, but that does not mean you don’t have to be knowledgeable about your condition. Screenings provide valuable information that help you and your healthcare provider make appropriate decisions regarding your health. By being able to be involved in decision-making, you may create a more effective and personalized care plan. 

• Peace of Mind: Having a serious condition can be scary, but what is scarier is having a serious condition but not knowing about it. Being aware of your health issues through screenings can give you peace of mind that your issues are being monitored and managed. This provides reassurance to seniors themselves, as well as their families and loved ones. This peace of mind can reduce health anxiety and allow individuals to focus on enjoying life.

Health Screening Recommendations for Senior Citizens

Regular health screenings for seniors are vital for detecting and preventing potential health issues as early as possible. Below are the recommended screenings all seniors should receive:

• Blood Pressure Screenings: Regular monitoring to detect hypertension early.

• Cholesterol Assessments: Used to assess the risk for heart disease and stroke, measured through a blood test after fasting. 

• Blood Glucose Testing: Assessed for the early detection of diabetes or pre-diabetes, measured via blood sample. 

• Body Mass Index: Measured to evaluate weight-related health risk, calculated using weight and height. 

• Cancer Screenings: Including mammograms (for detection of breast cancer), pap smears (for detection of cervical cancer), and colonoscopies (for detection of colorectal cancer). 

• Bone Density Tests: Used to check for osteoporosis, performed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. 

• Immunizations: Ensures up-to-date vaccinations based on age and health status, administered through injections or oral vaccines. 

Tips on Creating a Personalized Health Screening Schedule

• Schedule appointments ahead of time. Plan to make your health screening appointments in advance to ensure you get an appointment that fits with your schedule. This allows you to manage your time and availability, and avoid last-minute changes or stress. This also gives you ample time to prepare for your screening by fasting or making medication adjustments.

• Keep a detailed health record. Maintain an updated and detailed record of your medical history, including the medications you currently take and have taken in the past, as well as any medical conditions. Bring the record with you to your appointments and share it with your healthcare provider. This information can be crucial for accurate assessments and personalized care.

• Follow the pre-screening instructions provided by your physician. Many screenings require pre-screening tasks or instructions, which are provided by your doctor. For example, certain screenings require fasting or avoiding certain foods and drinks. Following pre-screening instructions ensures that screenings come back as accurate as possible. If you are ever confused about pre-screening instructions, contact your healthcare provider for clarification. 

Health Screenings for Senior Citizens at Greater Good Health

At Greater Good Health, we believe in the power of preventative care through senior healthcare. This is why Greater Good Health offers patients a wide variety of health screenings, tailored specifically to seniors. These screenings can provide you with valuable insight into your health. Don’t spend another minute wondering what your conditions are—make an appointment for preventative health screenings and take autonomy over your health by finding a clinic near you/contacting us today.

Our immune systems defend our bodies against potentially dangerous infections, sicknesses, and diseases. Thus, we should all take care of our immune systems and work towards strengthening them. But, why is boosting your immune systems especially important for seniors? Seniors, on average, are more susceptible to contracting and developing chronic illnesses, with nearly 95% of seniors having at least 1 chronic condition and 80% having 2 or more [1]. Whether this is due to genetics, dangerous exposures, or a general decline in health while aging, strengthening your immune system can help mitigate the risk of developing a life-threatening condition [2]. Let’s explore how one’s immune system changes with age and what we can do to strengthen it to work towards a healthy future, even in old age! 

Understanding the Senior Immune System

The immune system changes with age in many different ways. Unfortunately, aging typically weakens one’s immune system and makes fighting off infections, sicknesses, and diseases harder. This can result in a higher chance of contracting conditions and taking longer to recover from them. One way the immune system changes with age is that its response time becomes much slower [3]. While your immune system may have once been able to fight off a common cold or flu before symptoms even became noticeable when you were younger, you may find that you catch a common cold or flu each year easily in old age. And, you may heal slower from these illnesses, which is another way the immune system changes as you age [3]. 

You may also find that symptoms, like a cough or sore throat, linger for weeks instead of days, even after treatment. This is because you have fewer immune cells in your body to help you heal. Finally, the immune system’s ability to catch and correct defective cells also decreases with age, which can result in an increased risk of cancer [3]. The “graying” of T-cells in seniors is the cause of this, which pertains to the limited activation of the cells that scan and attack illness-causing cells like bacteria, viruses, and cancer [4]. 

Do Older Adults Have Weaker Immune Systems?

Although one’s immune system is likely to weaken as they age, this does not mean that all seniors must suffer from a weak immune system. There are plenty of ways to bolster their immune system and decrease the likelihood of it weakening dramatically with age. Introducing and maintaining healthy habits earlier than later makes a strong immune system more likely. It’s like gaining muscle —- you can’t just lift weights once and expect to see results. The earlier you start consistently lifting, the faster you gain muscle —- just like how the earlier and more consistently you care for your immune system, the stronger it will become. 

How to Improve Immune Systems in Older Adults and Seniors

Below are some ways older adults and seniors can help boost their immune systems and improve their overall health and well-being. 

Nutrition and Diet

Eating a balanced and healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important for seniors when taking care of their overall health and improving their immune systems. This is because healthy foods nourish immune cells and help them function properly. Ask yourself how you feel after eating a large fast food meal. Likely, you will respond that you feel sluggish, moody, and overall slower at processing things. This is the same way your immune cells “feel” when you eat an unhealthy diet that doesn’t include the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Deficiencies in vitamins can alter your body’s immune responses. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, nutrients help “protect healthy cells, support growth and activity of immune cells, and protect antibodies” [5]. Additionally, epidemiology studies show that people lacking proper nutrients are at greater risk of bacterial, viral, and other infections [5]. 

It is recommended that seniors consume a healthy diet full of foods that contain vitamins B-12, C, Selenium, and Zinc [6]. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B-12 plays an important role in forming red blood cells, cell metabolism, nerve function, and bone health [7]. These are common areas of concern for seniors, which is why it is important to strengthen these areas as much as possible with vitamin B-12. Vitamin C is vital for reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that blurs your central vision, as well as cataracts and cardiovascular disease, according to the National Council on Aging [8]. Selenium helps protect cells from damage and has antioxidant properties [9], making it an important vitamin to be consumed by seniors. Finally, according to a study conducted by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Zinc improved the number and function of T-cells in seniors [10]. Consult with your doctor on how much of each vitamin you should consume daily and what diets may work well for you. 

Physical Activity

Exercise not only helps seniors maintain their strength and mobility, but it also helps strengthen their immune systems. Low-impact and/or moderate-intensity workouts, which are most appropriate for seniors, can help promote healthy circulation of immune cells throughout the body. In particular, exercise helps circulate white blood cells, which are the immune system cells that fight off disease [11]. This may help detect and ward off illnesses and diseases faster. Exercises like walking, biking, swimming, jogging, yoga, and tai-chi, which tend to be non-strenuous on the body, are often the best for seniors. However, seniors should speak with their doctor or a healthcare professional about collaborating to create an exercise plan right for them!

Quality Sleep

While you sleep, your body produces cytokines, a protein that helps regulate immune responses and fight off infections [12]. Conversely, when you lack proper sleep each night, this can decrease the amount of cytokines your body produces, reducing your ability to fight off infections and illnesses. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that seniors aged 65 and older should get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night [13]. Quality sleep counts as uninterrupted and refreshing sleep that doesn’t cause you to feel sluggish and tired when you wake up. 

To improve your sleep quality as a senior, start by creating a relaxing bedtime routine. You can do this by avoiding using electronics, drinking caffeine, and exercising close to your bedtime, as well as participating in soothing activities at night. For example, as you start to unwind and get ready for bed, you can take a warm bubble bath, read a book, or meditate. Ensure you are comfortable while sleeping by investing in a supportive mattress and pillow. Use an eye mask or white noise machine if this helps you fall asleep faster, or if you are in an environment with light coming in through the window or loud noises. 

Stress Management

High-stress levels can have a profound impact on senior health. Stress increases the production of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. At the moment, a small burst of cortisol can boost your immune system by reducing inflammation. However, experiencing prolonged or chronic stress over some time can lead to your blood becoming acclimated to having too much cortisol in it, which increases inflammation [14]. Chronic stress also reduces your body’s lymphocytes, or white blood cells that help fight infections. This means that the more stressed you are, the more at risk you are for viruses [14]. 

Decrease the amount of stress you are dealing with and ensure that you aren’t stressed for prolonged periods by implementing stress management techniques. Meditation and mindfulness are highly useful for reducing stress levels by focusing on the “now” and promoting a sense of inner calm, despite what may be happening externally in your life or the world around you. Engaging in hobbies you enjoy can act as healthy distractions from stress, and can help make you feel happier and content, which also mitigates stress. Finally, reaching out for support and asking for help when you need it can greatly help decrease your stress levels, as you will have individuals to lean on during hard times. 

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Seniors must stay up-to-date with their vaccinations to maintain their health and prevent diseases common in old age. Although the steps above may help strengthen your immune system, they do not prevent complications or guarantee that you will not contract illnesses or diseases that can potentially be life-threatening. Vaccinations act as a proactive defense against these conditions by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific illnesses, therefore reducing one’s chance of developing the disorder or condition. Keep reading for the types of vaccinations recommended specifically for seniors. 

Recommended Immunizations for Seniors

Greater Good Health recommends that seniors talk to their doctor about and receive the following immunizations: 

1. Flu Vaccine: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, between 70 and 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in individuals aged 65 and older [15]. The best way to protect yourself and reduce the risk of contracting the flu is by getting your flu vaccine each year. It is recommended that you receive this vaccine before the end of October. 
2. COVID-19 Vaccine: Unfortunately, we are still experiencing the pandemic, and seniors are particularly at risk. According to Mayo Clinic, as of March 2024, about 76% of all deaths caused by COVID-19 were among people aged 65 and older [16]. Receiving the vaccine and staying updated on booster doses helps reduce your chance of contracting COVID-19 drastically. 
3. Pneumococcal Vaccine: This vaccine helps prevent any type of illness caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including but not limited to pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia, which can be particularly difficult for seniors to overcome. 
4. Shingles Vaccine: Shingles, a viral infection that causes an extremely painful rash, can be contracted by anyone who has had chickenpox. However, it is most common in adults over the age of 50, which is why seniors need to receive the Shingles vaccine to avoid this. 
5. Tdap: Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, can cause serious health issues, especially in seniors with weakened immune systems. Adults should receive this vaccine every 10 years to prevent these illnesses [17]. 

Immunizations for Senior Citizens at Greater Good Health

If you want to work on strengthening your immune system as a senior, Greater Good Health has got you covered! Greater Good Health provides quality, holistic care geared towards senior immunity and overall health. Find a clinic near you or contact us today to learn more and get started!

Are you passionate about senior health and thinking about a career change? Careers in senior care and the demand for senior care professionals are only growing daily. Why is this? According to the World Health Organization, or the WHO, there were 1 billion seniors aged 60 and older in the world in 2020, and this number is predicted to double by 2050, resulting in 2.1 billion seniors in the world [1]. This calls for a greater need for senior care professionals who can effectively help manage the health of the growing number of seniors. Although this prospective career may be a practical and appealing step in your journey, it is vital that you properly assess your passion for and level of expertise in senior health to find the right job in this space. This blog post will discuss a handful of common roles in senior care, how to find the right job for you, and other tips!

Common Senior Care Job Opportunities

When it comes to senior care jobs, there are a handful of possibilities and opportunities to choose from. It’s all about choosing what is best geared toward your passions, interests, and areas of expertise. Some of the most common senior care job opportunities include: 

1. 1. Primary Care Physician or Nurse: There is, of course, always a need for primary care physicians and nurses for individuals of all ages. However, seniors often have more health issues than younger individuals, due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions [2]. This means that primary care physicians and nurses who focus particularly on geriatric health and care play a crucial role in the health of a large population in need of specialized care. Individuals in these professions must perform more complex and advanced medical care, such as administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and coordinating care plans for their patients. 
   2. Caregiver: Being a caregiver or personal care assistant encompasses providing hands-on assistance with daily tasks that seniors may struggle with due to health concerns, like bathing, cooking, cleaning, dressing, and moving around. Caregivers also offer seniors companionship and social support, which is endlessly important for their health and well-being. 

• Home Health Aide: A home health aide is similar to a caregiver, but with more of a focus on housekeeping and activities of daily living, to ensure that seniors get all of their responsibilities completed with ease. It also may include medical tasks like taking the senior’s pulse and temperature. 

• Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist: Physical therapists and Occupational therapists help elderly patients improve their mobility, strength, and independence. Physical therapists accomplish this by teaching their patients physical exercises that enhance overall movement and eliminate pain and discomfort. Occupational therapists accomplish this by teaching their patients adaptations and activities that can improve their daily functioning, like how to bathe without straining their back, how to modify their home environment for ease of mobility, and how to cope with difficult emotions that may be affecting their mental health. 

1. 1. Social Worker: Social workers in senior care assist their clients and their families navigate healthcare systems, access important resources, and provide emotional support for mental health concerns they may be experiencing. 

• Nutritionist: Professionals in nutrition help seniors create healthier diets that may improve existing medical conditions and prevent new conditions from developing by educating them about nutrition and healthy eating. 

How to Find Senior Care Jobs

If any of the jobs mentioned previously sparked interest, you may be ready to move on to finding an open position and getting your foot in the door. This can be exciting, but daunting. Here are some tips to help you navigate how to find a senior care job: 

1. Research the Industry

• Just like there are many different types of senior care jobs, there are also many different senior care settings. Consider all your options, and whether you’d prefer to work in someone’s home, a rehabilitation center, a hospital, a doctor’s office, or somewhere completely different. 
• Do your research on the industry and what jobs are most prevalent. See if this research matches your personal goals and preferences. 

2. Identify Your Strengths and Preferences

• Once you have determined what kinds of positions and environments you’d prefer, it’s time to assess what makes you suited to work in senior care. In other words, what makes you stand out? 
• Think about your “why.” Why do you have such a big passion for senior care? 
• Determine your skills, experiences, and personal attributes that help show your expertise in this field. 

3. Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

• Now, it’s time to get detailed. Update your resume and tailor it to fit the types of jobs and positions you are applying for. Highlight your past experiences that helped you gain the skills necessary for a senior care job. For example, did you ever work in a position where you had to be patient with people? Have you worked in a healthcare setting and cared for patients? Do you have a degree of knowledge of medical terminology and conditions, or even a medical degree? These are great things to highlight in your resume, and even better things to expand on in your cover letter!
• A good trick to keep in mind when writing your resume is to focus on your experiences and skills, and when writing your cover letter is to focus on your passion. This way, those in the field reading your resume can see both sides of your personality — professional and passionate/personal. Don’t forget to include certifications, volunteer work, hard/soft skills, and any other details you find fitting!

4. Utilize Job Search Platforms

• Nowadays, there are plenty of job search platforms that are overflowing with new job posts each day. When navigating these sites, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But, with organization and utilization of the tools they often provide, job searching can be simple. 
• Use the “filter” feature to sift through jobs based on location, level of experience, salary, and more. This way, you won’t see jobs that are out of your maximum travel distance, or below your salary requirements. 
• Dedicate time each day to job search using these platforms. You can either set an alarm for a certain amount of time each day or set a “job alert” notification on the platform, which will notify you every time a job you may be interested in is posted. 

5. Network with Professionals in the Field

• Connections are an amazing way to get your foot in the door, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in the field already. If you know anyone who is working in the type of job you desire, or something similar, ask to have a chat with them. Don’t open the conversation asking for a referral — just see if they are available for a casual chat about the field and willing to provide any advice. You may end the conversation with more insight on your search, or if you’re lucky, a referral to an open position!
• Attending industry events, webinars, and conferences is a great way to meet professionals in the field and make lasting connections. Everyone loves meeting like-minded individuals — meeting others with a passion for senior care can feel inspiring and may give you some guidance on the next steps in your professional journey. 

6. Prepare for Interviews

• So, you’ve gotten an interview. Congratulations! It is important to prepare before your interview, no matter how preliminary or casual it is. Practice your elevator pitch and talking about your past experiences, and run through your answers to common interview questions. Some common questions include: 
  • Tell me about yourself and your experience. 
  • What led you to apply for this position? 
  • Why are you passionate about senior care? 
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
• In an interview, it is important to come off as poised and confident, but also human. Try your best to connect with your interviewer and bond over your passion for senior care. Be warm and show the attributes that make you a great fit for the position.

7. Evaluate Potential Employers

• Employers will assess your capabilities in an interview, but you should also remember to assess them back. The last thing you want is to work for a company that does not align with your values and needs. Some factors you should consider when choosing a senior care employer are: 
  • Reputation: look up this company and read reviews on it, both from employees and customers/clients/patients. Make sure that the company is viewed in an overall positive light, and was not involved in any legal issues or concerning happenings. 
  • Work Culture: The work you do is important, but so is the culture you will be part of. Ask your potential employer about what they do to implement a positive company culture. You should feel as though you fit into this company culture. 
  • Benefits: Does this employer offer health insurance? Dental insurance? Family plans? A 401k? These are all good things to figure out before accepting an offer, depending on what benefits are important to you. 
  • Hours: Make sure you know what hours you will be working before you accept a job offer. Many senior care jobs may include weekend work hours, overtime, or work on holidays. Ask yourself whether the hours your employer presents to you are appropriate for your needs. 
• Asking your employer about these factors during the interview process is encouraged. However, it is important to also do your research. You can search for company reviews on sites like Glassdoor.com or Indeed.com, for example. 

Apply for a Job in Senior Care at Greater Good Health

If you have a passion for senior care and are searching for a position, look no further! Greater Good Health invests in building strong and talented teams of individuals with one main thing in common: their devotion to senior health care. Check out Greater Good Health’s career page to learn more and see if you’d be a good fit!

As we age, the experience of feeling persistent pain is unfortunately widespread. For seniors, managing pain isn’t just about relieving physical discomfort; it can have a lasting impact on one’s physical health, mobility, and quality of life. There are a handful of reasons why seniors experience pain at a higher prevalence than younger adults, including chronic conditions, age-related inflammation, and a higher susceptibility to falls. Understanding the importance of addressing pain appropriately is endlessly valuable for this population of individuals. This blog post will help you understand the types of pain experienced by older adults, what challenges this pain may cause, and strategies for pain management. Let’s work towards a pain-free future! 

Understanding Pain in Older Adults

Seniors can experience many different types of pain in almost any area of the body. However, there are a few types of pain that are most commonly experienced by older adults. These types of pain include[1]: 

• Joint pain in the fingers, knees, hips, and spine
• Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Nerve pain

Seniors may experience these common types of pain, as well as other more uncommon types of pain, for a variety of reasons. For example, seniors naturally experience disease and chronic conditions at a higher rate than younger adults [2]. Although not all these diseases and disorders are inherently painful, some may bring on pain symptoms. The rate of injury and surgery is also higher among the senior population [3], which typically causes pain during recovery. Some other factors that influence pain perception and management in seniors include: 

• Physiological Changes: Aging can cause pain receptors to become more sensitive, affecting seniors’ perception of a specific ailment’s pain. For example, studies show that aging decreases one’s pain tolerance [4], which can make pain feel more unbearable to seniors. 

• Psychological Changes: The negative emotions and stress associated with psychological conditions like anxiety and depression, which are common in older adults, can amplify pain perception [5]. Likewise, chronic pain can also bring about negative emotions —- and the cycle continues. 

• Environmental Factors: A senior’s level of social support, living environment, and access to regular care can greatly impact how they experience and manage pain. Social isolation, financial constraints, and a lack of a caregiver can all exacerbate pain and leave it untreated. 

• Medication: Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can complicate pain management and exacerbate other symptoms due to drug interactions and side effects [6]. 

Common Challenges of Managing Pain in Older Adults

Pain management can be disrupted or feel impossible due to a handful of challenges that older adults face. Some of these common challenges include: 

• Communication Barriers: Age-related communication barriers, such as hearing loss, language barriers, or cognitive decline, can make seniors unable to effectively communicate how they feel to their caregivers and loved ones. Because of this, seniors may be suffering from pain in silence and feel unsure of how to make their pain heard. 

• • Comorbidities: It is not abnormal for seniors to experience multiple conditions simultaneously. If more than one condition causes painful symptoms, seniors may feel overwhelmed by the pain they are experiencing. 

• Underreporting of Pain: Many seniors view pain as a natural sign of aging. They may believe that all seniors feel the same amount of pain they do, or that their pain will pass with time. Although pain is common in seniors, not reporting it until it becomes unbearable can put their lives at risk. Reporting pain early helps with intervention at a state in which the possible disorder or problem is more likely to be cured or managed effectively. 

• Fear of Addiction and Side Effects: Concerns about the possibility of becoming dependent or addicted to painkillers, or experiencing harmful side effects, are common in seniors. Many seniors may feel like agreeing to take painkillers means handing over their control over their health, or may feed into the existing stigma of taking painkillers.

What is a Pain Management Physician [7]?

A pain management physician is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in treating different types of pain. They focus on diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of pain so that those affected can feel as though pain doesn’t run their lives. Pain management physicians must go through specialized training to become experts in managing chronic, acute, and cancer-related pain. 

Pain management physicians play a large role in caring for older adults with chronic pain, as they conduct comprehensive assessments, discuss treatment options, help manage medication, and provide personalized care for their patients, ensuring their lives are as pain-free as possible. 

Physician Strategies for Managing Pain in Older Adults

Pain management physicals employ the following practices and strategies for helping seniors manage their chronic pain:

Comprehensive Assessments

• Pain management physicians always conduct thorough assessments so that they can better understand the causes, symptoms, and severity of a senior’s pain. They not only assess physical factors that may be causing pain but also look towards possible psychological and social factors that may have brought this pain on. A thorough evaluation is important so that the physician can assess which treatment style may be best for the particular patient’s lifestyle, preferences, and condition. 

Multimodal Approach

• Patients are offered a wide range of treatment options when seeking care from a pain management physician. Many may assume that the only pain treatment is medication, but this is a common misconception. Along with medication, pain management physicians will likely also offer treatment options like interventional procedures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological therapies [8]. 

Medication Management

• Because seniors typically have more than one medical condition, they are likely to take more than one medication. Pain management physicians are professionally trained to prescribe and manage pain medications safely while minimizing risks like drug interactions and dangerous side effects. Some types of medications that are typically used for chronic pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, COX-2 inhibitors, opioids, and anti-depressants. For seniors, especially, having a doctor available to answer medication questions, discuss side effects, and create a treatment plan is extremely important. 

Addressing Polypharmacy and Drug Interactions

• When seniors coordinate care with their physicians and make sure they properly grasp their medication information, polypharmacy risks are reduced. This way, seniors can hopefully end up taking fewer medications rather than more, therefore reducing the risk of side effects and interactions. Regular medication review and reconciliation are vital for optimal treatment options and to ensure the safety of all patients.

When to Seek Primary Care for the Management of Pain in Older Adults

If you are a senior who has been experiencing persistent pain for more than 3 months, it is time to seek help from a professional in pain management. Primary care physicians can effectively assess the causes of chronic pain and help formulate long-term management techniques. Additionally, if your pain has increased in severity and has become more and more uncomfortable, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. 

Timely intervention is the golden rule when it comes to pain management — getting help sooner rather than later is always the right choice. Through regular check-ups and check-ins with your doctor, you can easily keep track of whether your pain has worsened or a new condition has arisen. 

Older Adult Pain Management in Primary Care at Greater Good

Here at Greater Good Health, we integrate pain management services into primary care for older adults. If you are a senior struggling with chronic pain, find a clinic near you or contact us for assistance!