Advocating for Accessible Pain Relief for Older Adults in the European Union (EU)
1
International Federation on Ageing, Toronto, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A53
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pain is a major public health concern affecting a growing number of older adults across the European Union. As populations age, many individuals spend a substantial proportion of later life managing persistent or recurring pain, which can limit mobility, affect mental and physical well-being, and restrict social and economic participation. Despite its high prevalence, access to effective pain management remains uneven. Financial, structural, and informational barriers continue to prevent many older adults from receiving appropriate care. Ensuring equitable access to pain management is therefore essential to supporting healthy ageing and protecting the rights and dignity of older people.
METHODS:
This study employed a two-part data collection approach guided by an advisory committee of experts in pain, ageing, and health systems. A multinational survey captured the lived experiences of adults aged 55 to 95 years and older living with acute, chronic, or recurring pain across six European Union countries. The survey assessed the impact of pain on daily activities, mobility, mental health, self-care, and access to treatment. In parallel, a multi-stakeholder roundtable with healthcare professionals, academics, and ageing experts explored clinical challenges, system-level gaps, and opportunities to improve access to pain care.
RESULTS:
Findings revealed a substantial burden of pain on functional ability, quality of life, and participation in family, social, and work roles. Many older adults relied heavily on self-management strategies, informal caregiving, and over-the-counter medicines. Across countries, long wait times, limited specialist access, and financial constraints were consistently reported barriers. Inadequate provider training, inconsistent pain assessment, and limited public awareness further compounded these challenges.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study highlights the urgent need for more accessible, person-centered, and age-responsive pain management across the European Union. Coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts are essential to ensure pain management supports healthy ageing and upholds the rights of older adults.
Pain is a major public health concern affecting a growing number of older adults across the European Union. As populations age, many individuals spend a substantial proportion of later life managing persistent or recurring pain, which can limit mobility, affect mental and physical well-being, and restrict social and economic participation. Despite its high prevalence, access to effective pain management remains uneven. Financial, structural, and informational barriers continue to prevent many older adults from receiving appropriate care. Ensuring equitable access to pain management is therefore essential to supporting healthy ageing and protecting the rights and dignity of older people.
METHODS:
This study employed a two-part data collection approach guided by an advisory committee of experts in pain, ageing, and health systems. A multinational survey captured the lived experiences of adults aged 55 to 95 years and older living with acute, chronic, or recurring pain across six European Union countries. The survey assessed the impact of pain on daily activities, mobility, mental health, self-care, and access to treatment. In parallel, a multi-stakeholder roundtable with healthcare professionals, academics, and ageing experts explored clinical challenges, system-level gaps, and opportunities to improve access to pain care.
RESULTS:
Findings revealed a substantial burden of pain on functional ability, quality of life, and participation in family, social, and work roles. Many older adults relied heavily on self-management strategies, informal caregiving, and over-the-counter medicines. Across countries, long wait times, limited specialist access, and financial constraints were consistently reported barriers. Inadequate provider training, inconsistent pain assessment, and limited public awareness further compounded these challenges.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study highlights the urgent need for more accessible, person-centered, and age-responsive pain management across the European Union. Coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts are essential to ensure pain management supports healthy ageing and upholds the rights of older adults.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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