Dealing with Persistent Pain

“Persistent pain” is pain or discomfort that lasts for a long time, or comes and goes over the course of months or years. Arthritis and other chronic, or ongoing, health problems can cause persistent pain. Because many older adults have chronic health problems, persistent pain is common. But persistent pain isn’t a “normal” part of aging and shouldn’t be ignored. If untreated, persistent pain can make it hard to sleep, walk, and carry out daily activities. It can lead to disability. It can take the joy out of living.