Professor David Baxter has been awarded a grant from Lottery Health Research to research chronic pain in older adults, which is internationally recognized as a prevalent and disabling condition. It has a serious impact on the quality of life of older adults, leading to depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, appetite disturbance and weight loss, cognitive impairment, and limitations in the performance of daily activities.
The study will investigate chronic pain experienced by older people (>65 years) in New Zealand (NZ), exploring attitudes and perceived barriers and facilitators to activity and social participation. This study will also identify coping strategies employed by older people in chronic pain, and available services in their communities to deal with ongoing pain.
Results results from the study will be used to develop a clinical model for addressing barriers and facilitators to activity and social participation due to chronic pain among older adults, and inform the development of a community-based intervention to support ageing well in people with chronic pain.
The research team, which includes Professor Baxter and Drs Cath Smith and Ram Mani are all part of the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, at the School of Physiotherapy. They are also members of two University of Otago Research Themes, CARE (Collaboration of Ageing Research Excellence) and Pain at Otago. Professor Baxter is also Director of the National Science Challenge, Ageing Well.
For further information on the study contact Professor David Baxter:
Email david.baxter@otago.ac.nz