Psychosocial Characteristics by Pain Presence and Limitations Among Older Adults

Purpose: To compare psychosocial outcomes of older adults according to pain experience. Method: Using cross-sectional 2021 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we examined psychosocial characteristics in older adults (N = 3,376) divided into three groups: no pain, pain without activity limitations, and activity-limiting pain. Results: In multiple regression models, older adults with activity-limiting pain compared to those without pain had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and fear of falling, as well as reduced positive affect, self-realization, self-efficacy, resilience, and social participation. Older adults with non–activity-limiting pain had significantly higher social participation than those without pain, but no differences in self-realization, self-efficacy, or resilience. Conclusion: Pain is strongly associated with all psychosocial outcomes, especially in older adults with activity-limiting pain. Future research should examine the impact of self-realization, self-efficacy, resilience, and social participation on activity limitations. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(7), 27–34.]
Older adults, defined as those aged ≥65 years, comprise a growing segment of the U.S. population. They have relatively high rates of morbidity and mortality compared to the general population, [...]