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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Chronic pain as perceived by older people
— a qualitative study | | Author(s) | B Sofaer, A P Moore, I Holloway |
| Journal title | Age and Ageing, vol 34, no 5, September 2005 |
| Pages | pp 462-466 |
| Source | http://www.ageing.oupjournals.org |
| Keywords | Pain ; Attitude ; Qualitative Studies. |
| Annotation | There seems to have been little or no information on how to improve the quality of life for older people who suffer chronic pain, or on the resources available to them. This study's aim was to ascertain from older people the practical, physical and psychosocial limitations they faced because of chronic pain, and the strategies they used to deal with them. A qualitative approach to generating data was chosen, using a Grounded Theory approach and unstructured interviews with 63 people ranging on age from 60 to 87. Audio tapes were transcribed verbatim. The material was coded and collapsed into themes. Two main themes emerged: the desire for independence and control; and adaptation to a life with chronic pain. The valuing of independence is in line with previous findings. With only three exceptions, none of the participants were certain on where to get help with practical issues and so they lived in fear of loss of their independence. Sub-categories forming the theme on adaptation were: acceptance and non-acceptance; pacing oneself; helping other people; the use of prayer; and "looking good and feeling good". Where independence and control is effective, older people may adapt better to chronic pain. The interview data informed the development of a booklet designed to meet the needs of older people with chronic pain. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-050926202 A |
| Classmark | CT7: DP: 3DP |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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