Memories of pain: comparison of "worst pain ever" experienced by senior citizens and college students.

A total of 124 senior citizens were compared with 99 college students for their memory of worst pain experience and the action they undertook to deal with that experience. Seniors recalled very recent pain experiences, as did the students. There were major differences in their description of the worst pain experience and also how they had their pain problems dealt with. Implications of these findings are discussed.