What is a common reason for increased postoperative pain management in older adults?

Increased postoperative pain management in older adults is often attributed to decreased physiological reserve and possible comorbidities. As individuals age, their bodies may not respond to surgical stress and recovery as efficiently as younger individuals due to several factors, including diminished organ function, frailty, and other pre-existing health conditions. These comorbidities can exacerbate pain perception and complicate recovery, necessitating a more tailored and potentially intensive approach to pain management post-surgery.

Older adults may experience pain more acutely or have a reduced ability to cope with it because their physiological reserves—their body's ability to endure and recover from stress—are lower. This can lead to longer recovery times and increased pain management requirements to ensure comfort and promote healing.

While anxiety levels during surgery and metabolism changes can play roles in the overall experience of pain and its management, the primary focus for increased postoperative pain management is rooted in the comprehensive health status and resilience of the older adult population. Additionally, older patients often have different pain thresholds and responses to pain medications, further necessitating individualized care plans.