PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR ELDERLY WOMEN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems affecting elderly women, significantly reducing quality of life, physical functioning, emotional well-being, and independence. Aging-related physiological changes, multiple chronic illnesses, and social factors make pain assessment and management particularly complex in this population. Elderly women are more likely than men to experience chronic musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, osteoporosis-related pain, and neuropathic conditions, yet their pain is often underreported and undertreated.

Objective: This review aims to examine current evidence on pain management strategies for elderly women, focusing on accurate assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and the importance of multidisciplinary care.

Methods: A narrative review of recent literature from peer-reviewed journals, clinical guidelines, and geriatric pain management studies was conducted. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using terms such as “elderly women,” “chronic pain,” “pain assessment,” “geriatric pain management,” and “multidisciplinary care.”  

Results: Findings indicate that effective pain management in elderly women requires individualized, multimodal approaches. Comprehensive assessment tools, including self-report scales and observational methods, improve pain identification. Pharmacological treatments such as acetaminophen, topical agents, and carefully monitored opioid therapy may provide relief, but medication use must consider age-related changes in metabolism, polypharmacy, and adverse effects. Non-pharmacological interventions—including physical therapy, exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and social support—demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain and improving function. Multidisciplinary care involving physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and caregivers enhances treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Pain management for elderly women should be holistic, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary. Combining accurate assessment with individualized pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies can improve pain control, functional ability, and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.