Investigation of pain and life satisfaction in older adults.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate pain and life satisfaction in older adults. This study, which is descriptive in nature, utilized the relational screening model. It was carried out between September 2016 and March 2017, with 387 people aged ≥65 years who were registered in Family Health Centers in Ağrı, a city located in eastern Turkey. The participants' mean Geriatric Pain Measure score was 53.23 ± 29.40, indicating moderate pain. The mean Life Satisfaction Scale score was 8.50 ± 5.34, indicating moderate life satisfaction level. The study also found a statistically significant, negative relationship between life satisfaction and geriatric pain. An increase in the elderly population brings various health problems. The results of the present study showed that the rate of chronic diseases is very high in older adults. Therefore, pain is one of the most frequently encountered health problems, and it has negative effects on life satisfaction. In conclusion, is it considered that older adults' life satisfaction could increase if their pain is identified and reduced effectively. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 5-11.