Diverse group of older adults enjoying physical activities in a sunny park.

Aging Gracefully: How Physical Activity Impacts Pain in Older Adults

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the secrets to managing pain and staying active as you age, with practical insights from a recent study on physical activity and well-being."

As we age, maintaining an active and pain-free lifestyle becomes increasingly important. The global population is aging, with a significant rise in the number of individuals over 65. In Asia alone, this demographic is expected to increase dramatically. This shift emphasizes the need to understand the factors that contribute to quality of life in later years, particularly the relationship between physical activity and pain.

While aging brings inevitable physical changes, proactive measures can mitigate many adverse effects. A sedentary lifestyle can accelerate age-related decline, whereas regular physical activity can promote health and well-being. Research suggests that staying active helps prevent illness and enhances physiological functions, underscoring the importance of exercise in managing the aging process.

This article examines the findings of a study that investigates the connection between physical activity and pain among older adults. By understanding this relationship, we can identify strategies to help seniors maintain active, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The research explores various socio-demographic factors, types of physical activities, and their impact on pain levels, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and individuals alike.

Understanding the Study: Physical Activity and Pain in Older Adults

Diverse group of older adults enjoying physical activities in a sunny park.

A study involving 564 participants with an average age of 61.05 years aimed to determine the prevalence of pain and its correlation with physical activity and socio-demographic factors. The participants were selected from urban and rural areas in Sabah, Malaysia, ensuring a diverse representation. Data was collected through questionnaires and pain scales, focusing on the types of physical activities and the intensity of pain experienced.

The study assessed several key variables to understand the complex interplay between physical activity, pain, and individual characteristics. These variables included:

Age Groups: Participants were divided into five-year age brackets, ranging from 40 to 89 years, to observe age-related trends.
Gender: Both male and female participants were included to identify any gender-specific differences in pain and activity levels.
Occupation: The study considered five categories—worker, retired, unemployed, homemaker, and student—to examine how different lifestyles affect physical activity and pain.
Civil Status: Marital status (married, divorced, widowed, single) was assessed to explore its potential influence on activity levels and pain experience.
Degree of Pain: Pain levels were categorized into three levels: no pain, moderate pain, and intense pain, providing a clear measure of pain severity.
Level of Physical Activity: Participants were classified as either practicing or not practicing physical activity to determine the impact of exercise on pain.
Type of Physical Activity: Activities were defined as walking, keep-fit exercises, a combination of both, or other forms of physical conditioning.

The findings revealed that a significant majority of participants (80.9%) experienced moderate pain, with the cervical area and knees being the most commonly affected regions. Additionally, 73.2% of the participants engaged in regular physical activity, with walking and keep-fit exercises being the most popular choices. However, the study found no direct correlation between physical activity and the degree of pain, suggesting that other factors may play a more significant role in pain management.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations for Active Aging

While the study didn't find a direct link between physical activity and pain reduction, it underscored the importance of tailored exercise programs for older adults. Healthcare providers should develop comprehensive health protocols that consider individual needs, lifestyles, and pain conditions. Encouraging diverse forms of physical activity and creating accessible, modern sporting facilities in rural areas can further support active aging. This approach promotes a holistic view of health, integrating physical, social, and psychological well-being to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What were the key variables examined in the study concerning physical activity and pain among older adults?

The study investigated several key variables to understand the relationship between physical activity, pain, and individual characteristics. These variables included: Age Groups (participants were divided into five-year age brackets ranging from 40 to 89 years), Gender (both male and female participants were included), Occupation (worker, retired, unemployed, homemaker, and student), Civil Status (married, divorced, widowed, single), Degree of Pain (no pain, moderate pain, and intense pain), Level of Physical Activity (practicing or not practicing), and Type of Physical Activity (walking, keep-fit exercises, combination, or other forms of physical conditioning). These variables collectively provided a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence pain and activity levels in older adults.

What were the main findings regarding the prevalence of pain and the types of physical activity among the participants?

The study revealed that a significant majority of participants (80.9%) experienced moderate pain, with the cervical area and knees being the most commonly affected regions. Furthermore, 73.2% of the participants engaged in regular physical activity, with walking and keep-fit exercises being the most popular choices. Despite the high prevalence of pain and physical activity, the study found no direct correlation between the two, suggesting that other factors may play a more significant role in pain management.

How did the study define and categorize the degree of pain experienced by the participants?

The degree of pain was categorized into three levels: no pain, moderate pain, and intense pain. This categorization provided a clear measure of pain severity among the participants. The assessment of pain levels was crucial in determining the relationship between physical activity and pain experience. Understanding the different pain levels helped researchers identify whether regular exercise could directly alleviate pain or if other factors were more influential in pain management.

Why is it important to understand the relationship between physical activity and pain for older adults, especially considering global demographic trends?

Understanding the relationship between physical activity and pain is increasingly crucial due to the global aging population. With a significant rise in the number of individuals over 65, particularly in Asia, maintaining an active and pain-free lifestyle becomes paramount. The research helps to understand how factors contribute to quality of life in later years. Furthermore, proactively addressing the adverse effects of aging through measures like exercise and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly improve the health, well-being, and overall quality of life for seniors worldwide.

What recommendations does the study suggest for promoting active aging and improving the quality of life for older adults?

While the study found no direct link between physical activity and pain reduction, it emphasized the importance of tailored exercise programs for older adults. It recommends that healthcare providers develop comprehensive health protocols that consider individual needs, lifestyles, and pain conditions. Additionally, the study suggests encouraging diverse forms of physical activity and creating accessible sporting facilities in rural areas. These strategies promote a holistic view of health, integrating physical, social, and psychological well-being to enhance the quality of life for seniors. This approach underscores the need for personalized care and community support in helping older adults maintain active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.