Understanding chronic pain and its management in older adults
Official title: Characteristics and impact of chronic pain and pain management in older adults
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10851800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how common chronic pain is in older adults aged 65 and up, and it wants to learn more about how they manage their pain and how it affects their daily lives, so we can better understand their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $537,136 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG064947-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those experiencing chronic pain lasting six months or longer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without chronic pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in older adults, focusing on those aged 65 and older. It aims to gather detailed, longitudinal data from a large national sample of older adults, including both those with chronic pain and those without. The study will explore the various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies used for pain management, as well as the impact of chronic pain on quality of life and other important outcomes. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to fill significant gaps in knowledge about chronic pain in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and better quality of life for older adults suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding chronic pain in older populations, but this study aims to provide a comprehensive national perspective that has not been previously achieved.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritchie, Christine S — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ritchie, Christine S
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.