“More Than Intensity: It Is How Pain Affects What I Do”: Unveiling the Multifaceted Impact of Pain in Older People on Daily Life

Chronic pain is prevalent among older people and significantly impacts daily life. Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for proper pain management, yet existing assessments frequently fail to capture the full complexity of chronic pain, especially in older populations. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of chronic pain in older people to inform the development of more comprehensive pain assessment. Semi-structured interviews with 20 participants aged 60+ with chronic pain were thematically analyzed and mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework. Chronic pain significantly impacted participants' mobility, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Participants highlighted the need for a holistic pain assessment that includes psychological and social dimensions alongside physical symptoms. Holistic pain assessments addressing the multidimensional impacts of chronic pain are needed to enhance clinical care and improve older people's quality of life.