Older Adults Say Persistent Pain is an Overwhelming Burden

This Pain Awareness Month, survey calls attention to the number of older adults living with pain that interferes with their daily activities

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey published by the Alliance for Aging Research highlights the significant impact that pain has on older adults and the people who care for them. The survey of close to 1,000 adults ages 55 and older, and 500 unpaid caregivers for people managing persistent pain, outlines how pain, the lack of consistent relief, and significant time spent managing pain impacts daily life.

According to the survey, close to 70% of consumer respondents report that persistent pain gets in the way of their daily activities, either a lot or a moderate amount. Among caregivers, 79% report that persistent pain gets in the way of their loved one's daily activities a lot or a moderate amount.

Despite the burden pain has on their lives, only 6% of consumer respondents said their pain management approach is very effective. 28% said that it is "not very effective" or "not at all effective."

"The number of people overwhelmed by persistent pain shows how important pain management is in today's world," said Lindsay Clarke, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Health Education at the Alliance for Aging Research. "Pain is taking a significant toll on older adults and it's a quality-of-life issue that needs our attention."

"When pain interferes this significantly with daily life, people understandably look for ways to find relief and keep doing the things that matter to them," said Nicole Hemmenway, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Pain Foundation. "What stands out is that despite widespread use of both over-the-counter and prescription medications, only 6% of respondents said their pain was 'under control.' These findings underscore the need for a broader range of effective, individualized pain management options that help people not only manage their pain, but maintain function, independence, and quality of life."

Duration of relief is a top concern. More than 69% of consumers say relief lasts 4 to 6 hours or less. Consumers also report doubling up on pain medications or creating their own pain relief combinations that are not typically advisable by physicians, because of individual risk factors, daily limits, and contraindications. Combining products is common with 34% of consumer respondents saying they've combined an OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a prescription one, and 25% report taking OTC acetaminophen plus a prescription acetaminophen-opioid combination.

The constant management is taking its toll on caregivers as well, with 2 in 5 reporting that they worry about their ability to manage this pain effectively.

"It's not surprising to us that managing pain continues to interfere with older adults' daily lives and the lives of their caregivers," said Clarke. "As an organization that advocates for good quality of life as we age, the Alliance is invested in efforts to increase education, awareness, and innovation in pain management on this issue."

Read the full report, an executive summary, and the full survey results.

This survey was conducted by Reingold—a strategic communications firm, with support from Kenvue Inc.

The Alliance for Aging Research believes advances in research help people live longer, happier, more productive lives and reduce healthcare costs over the long term. For 40 years, the Alliance has guided efforts to substantially increase funding and focus for aging at the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration; built influential coalitions to guide groundbreaking regulatory improvements for age-related diseases; and created award-winning, high-impact educational materials to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. Learn more about the Alliance at AgingResearch.org. 

Media contact: Katie Riley, Vice President of Communications, [email protected]

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SOURCE Alliance for Aging Research