A survey of chronic pain in an elderly population.

Elderly nursing home residents and those attending a day hospital program for six hours a week at the same home were surveyed to determine the prevalence of chronic pain. Of the 132 subjects, 83% reported having pain problems, mostly due to connective tissue disorders. Eighty-four percent of these patients were receiving analgesics for their pain, but the other 16% were receiving no treatment. Fifty percent of subjects report low levels of pain, 32% moderate levels, and 18% high to intolerable levels. For many patients, the pain has been present for several years. A relationship was also found between pain levels and depression. None of these patients was being actively treated for depression. There may be an inclination to underestimate the prevalence and intensity of pain in the elderly.