Many of us try not to imagine ourselves hitting the later years of life. Whether we dream and plan for a life far down the road, or we still feel young and like the whole world is in front of us, age still creeps up on us, even if we don’t open our eyes to accept it.

Coping with a chronic pain condition adds another layer of complexity for those entering the advanced stage of life—particularly since, according to the latest chronic pain data from the CDC, pain becomes more prevalent as we age.

What are some of the added challenges that make you feel more vulnerable as you age?

• Technology is constantly and rapidly progressing. Many of us find it difficult to keep up and prefer things to be simpler.
• A day that goes wrong suddenly becomes exhausting, confusing, and throws us off more easily—often worsening our pain as well. We realize the days that flow as planned are so much easier to take on, instead of those unexpected, unwanted challenges.
• Simple illnesses like a cold suddenly seem to lag, keeping us exhausted longer and worsening the symptoms of our chronic condition.
• Traveling becomes so much more of a challenge. There’s often more medications and medical equipment to pack and remember.
• Even for those of us who continue to have the privilege of driving, many of us notice driving at night has become more of a challenge.
• And let’s talk about cars and all the new driving gadgets to learn about—do any of you know what they all do, or do you just want to start the car, switch on the radio, and go? They are creative new additions, but it sure can get confusing to learn how to use them.
• Shopping becomes a new challenge, with lifting bags in and out of the car getting harder as we age and as our pain increases.
• Some of us notice thinning hair, wrinkles, and changes in our body that we’d prefer not to take on.
• Loss of friends becomes more prevalent as you age. We know life doesn’t last forever, but it’s still hard to see people who mean so much in our life no longer there to communicate with.
• For those of us with children, we nurture them to step out into life and find success, love, and happiness—but it is an adjustment to step back as their lives move forward and some of the ties between us loosen. 
• For many of us, our eyesight weakens, and we find it difficult to enjoy reading as print becomes smaller.
• We have to replace activities we once loved to do with those that are more accommodating to our aging bodies and pain, a difficult adjustment.
• And then there is that challenge of seeing ourselves in the mirror and being reminded—and sometimes shocked—by how much we have physically changed.

So, let’s face our new reality and share tips for taking on this stage of life, and continuing to manage our chronic pain, with dignity and pride.

• We are aging, but it doesn’t mean our mindset has to be that we are “done” with living our lives.
• Try to start each day being grateful for the good in your life. We all have difficulties in life, but there is always good around us that we can celebrate.
• As you transition to your new lifestyle, accept you are aging—but don’t give in to it. Replace the activities you can no longer safely participate in with ones that your pain and changing body allow you to do, rather than no longer participating in activities at all.
• Loss is painful, but knowing that we will all face it in our lives, remember to celebrate today and appreciate those still in your life, while also honoring life by remembering those no longer with you.
• Look for larger-print papers and books, and consider listening to audiobooks.
• Develop and follow a healthy sleep routine.
• Consider meditating, yoga, or safe exercise classes.
• Find ways to volunteer in your community.
• Eat balanced, whole foods that are compatible with your medical conditions.
• Maintain social connections—however that may look for you.
• Consider limiting your media consumption if you find that it causes you stress.

Many of us understand how difficult it can be to age while also coping with a chronic pain condition that adds extra challenges to life. But remember that everyone has different challenges. You can’t assume someone else’s life is easier because they wear a smile. Many are good at playing pretend around others but are privately struggling to step forward in life.

We need to accept each other, try not to compare, and appreciate the good we do have in our lives. Each day you wake up is a gift, and how you choose to take on that day is in your hands. May you find the strength to live life to the fullest with the challenges you have been given to take on. And as you face the vulnerabilities that come with aging and living with pain, may you do so with dignity and strength.

—by Ellen Lenox Smith

About the Author:

Ellen Lenox Smith has emerged as a leading voice for patients living with pain. Currently, Ellen serves as Co-Director of Medical Cannabis Advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation and is a member of its Board of Directors. She is also active with the EDS RI support group.

Prior to patient advocacy, Ellen was a longtime middle school social studies teacher. She has been married for 50 years and is the proud mother of four adult children and grandmother to five grandchildren. She also is the author of two books, an organic gardener, and was previously a master swimmer and high school swim coach.