Surveys indicate that the majority of elderly experience chronic pain, although the relationship of pain to the prevalence of pain is not entirely clear. Pain perception is a complex phenomenon. Age affects individuals' response to the perception of pain and response to pain relieving measures. The literature also indicates that the elderly may cope differently with pain.
Elderly individuals tend to under-report pain.
Assessment for pain should form part of all assessments of elderly clients. Strategies for assessment and treatment are suggested. Abstract Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disorder that primarily affects older individuals and their ability to engage in daily occupations. Occupational therapists are actively involved in the training and retraining of functional motor skills with this population. Motor control theories may assist clinicians in understanding the movement difficulties that these individuals experience.