Additional research is needed to evaluate both the physiologic and psychological

basis for pain among older adults. More effective management of pain in the older adult

originates in a better understanding of differences and similarities in the pain response.

Gender, Pain and Osteoarthritis

 Experimental research has not demonstrated a conclusive difference in pain

perception related to gender. Using heat as a noxious stimulus in humans Paulson,

Minoshima, Morrow, and Casey (1998) concluded there was a gender similarity in the

cerebral and cerebellar activation, but anticipation of the stimulus was more intense in

females.

 Keefe, et al. (2000) measured pain, disability, and pain behavior among men and

women with a mean age of 61.1 yrs. They reported significant gender differences in pain

intensity, pain behavior, and physical disability associated with osteoarthritis. Women

had significantly elevated levels (F (1,166)= 4.41, P <0.05) of osteoarthritis pain. They

measured pain behavior, which included stiff movement, rubbing affected joint, and

flexing the joint, in relation to gender. In their analysis women exhibited more pain

behavior than men (F (1,162) = 5.54, P < 0.05). In a recent study of pain and coping,

Affleck et al. (1999) observed that women reported daily osteoarthritis pain and pain

levels 73% greater than males with a similar arthritis diagnosis. Results of these studies

have suggested that among the elderly, there is a difference in pain intensity related to

gender. Further research is necessary to compare noxious pain stimuli, pain thresholds

and intensity studied in younger populations to the older adult.

Age, Gender, and Osteoarthritis

 Compared to males, females have twice the incidence of osteoarthritis. Until age

65, however, men report a greater occurrence of osteoarthritis. While men are more