Prevalence of Pain and High-Impact Pain Among Older Adults Living Independently in Australia: Associations with Sociodemographic and Health Factors Including Physical Disability, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life - Report - MDSpire

Prevalence of Pain and High-Impact Pain Among Older Adults Living Independently in Australia: Associations with Sociodemographic and Health Factors Including Physical Disability, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life

  • By

  • Grace Joshy

  • Saman Khalatbari-Soltani

  • Kay Soga

  • Melonie Martin

  • Sinan Brown

  • Fiona M. Blyth

  • Emily Banks

  • January 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Prevalence of Pain and High-Impact Pain Among Older Adults in Australia

Overview

This study quantifies the prevalence of bodily pain and high-impact pain among older adults living independently in Australia, revealing significant associations with sociodemographic and health factors. The findings highlight the impact of pain on daily activities and overall quality of life.

Background

Chronic pain affects over 30% of individuals globally and is a leading cause of disability. In Australia, approximately 3.24 million people live with chronic pain, significantly impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the prevalence and impact of pain in older adults is crucial for developing effective pain management strategies.

Data Highlights

OutcomePrevalence
Bodily Pain56%
High-Impact PainVaries by sociodemographic factors

Key Findings

  • High-impact pain is more prevalent among older adults, particularly women.
  • Associations exist between high-impact pain and lower quality of life, psychological distress, and physical disability.
  • Chronic pain prevalence is linked to sociodemographic factors such as education level and socioeconomic status.
  • Older adults with multiple chronic conditions report higher levels of pain interference in daily activities.
  • Effective pain management is essential for improving the quality of life and functional outcomes in older populations.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should assess pain levels in older adults regularly, considering the significant impact on daily functioning and quality of life. Multidisciplinary approaches to pain management are recommended to address the complex needs of this population.

Conclusion

The study underscores the high prevalence of pain and its detrimental effects on older adults' lives, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve pain management and overall well-being.

References

  1. Sax Institute, Pain and high-impact pain in community-dwelling older adults in Australia and relation to sociodemographic and health-related factors, including physical disability, psychological distress, and quality of life, 2023
  2. Pain Medicine — Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Psychological Profiles in Patients Undergoing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Versus Those on Low- and High-Dose Opioids for Pain Management
  3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Pain Management and Analgesic Administration in Cancer Patients: Insights from Robust, Pre-Frail, and Frail Older Adults
  4. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Examination of Long-Term and High-Dose Proton Pump Inhibitor Usage: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Six Aged Care Facilities in South Australia
  5. Clinical Rheumatology — Impact of Coexisting Hand Osteoarthritis on Pain Levels and Disease Activity in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis
  6. Chronic Pain and High-impact Chronic Pain in U.S. Adults, 2023 - NCHS Data Briefs
  7. Pain and high-impact pain in community-dwelling older adults in Australia and relation to sociodemographic and health-related factors, including physical disability, psychological distress, and quality of life - PubMed
  8. WHO releases guidelines on chronic low back pain

Original Source(s)

Prevalence of Pain and High-Impact Pain Among Older Adults Living Independently in Australia: Associations with Sociodemographic and Health Factors Including Physical Disability, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life

  • by Grace Joshy, Saman Khalatbari-Soltani, Kay Soga, Melonie Martin, Sinan Brown, Fiona M. Blyth, Emily Banks

  • January 22, 2026

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