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Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, acknowledges that chronic pain is a nuisance in the lives of many seniors. By providing some helpful health advice, Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living, hopes that fewer seniors will suffer from this unwanted distraction. Oceans2003: What is chronic pain? Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Chronic pain, as opposed to acute pain, lasts for a long period of time. The source of chronic pain is often difficult to locate. |
Oceans2003: How do seniors handle chronic pain?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: The best approach to alleviating the stress of chronic pain is to treat both the body and the mind with great care. Chronic pain associates with depression and anxiety, so maintaining good mental health is a key component.
Oceans2003: Is chronic pain a common occurrence?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: More than 100 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain.
Oceans2003: That must make for some significant medical bills.
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Unfortunately, Americans spend up to $700 million each year on treating chronic pain. Preventive measures can drastically reduce this number.
Oceans2003: What are the usual forms of chronic pain?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Back injuries are the most common affliction. Other illnesses and injuries include shingles, arthritis and the aftereffects of surgery.
Oceans2003: What tools are most often used to combat chronic pain?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Seniors regularly rely on over-the-counter medications, prescription pain pills, and physical therapy to ease their discomfort. Most methods, though, are temporary solutions.
Oceans2003: How can seniors counteract chronic pain?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Seniors who participate in a regular exercise routine experienced a significant decrease in pain and a vast improvement in their overall health.
Oceans2003: Wouldn’t physical activity exacerbate the problem?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Exercise is truly the most effective measure when dealing with chronic pain. Activities like dancing, swimming, walking and tennis have all relieved symptoms and promoted an overall healthy lifestyle. These activities will also ease chronic back pain.
Oceans2003: Are there other possible workout options?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Yoga is an enjoyable activity that has reduced chronic pain in numerous seniors.
Oceans2003: What are some alternative methods to cure chronic pain?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Meditation and acupuncture have proven successful for some seniors, but one should consult with a physician first before beginning a new plan.
Oceans2003: What can a physician do to help?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Chronic pain is a natural part of the aging process, but medical professionals can offer valuable techniques to prevent the issue from disrupting quality of life.
Oceans2003: Any last comments?
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Seniors must possess realistic expectations about their bodies. Although chronic pain is quite common, a positive attitude will improve matters immensely.
Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, has been with the organization since 2004 and began serving as COO in 2007.