Die Welt5 hours agoHealth3 min readGermany

Study shows: Pain doesn't just increase with age

Quick Look

A global study with data from over six million people from 118 countries shows that while the likelihood of pain increases with age, the greatest increase occurs before age 55.
After that, the curve flattens or reverses, especially in chronic whole-body pain.
Smoking, obesity and low income are clear risk factors in Western and Eastern Europe as well as North and Latin America.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The study evaluated data from over six million people from 118 countries from 1990 to 2025, based on self-reported pain information from surveys. It was published in the journal Nature Medicine and contradicts the assumption that pain inevitably increases with age.

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What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The results could lead to a revision of prevention strategies that start earlier in the life course.
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

Why does chronic whole-body pain decrease in old age?
What role do psychological factors play in the perception of pain in old age?
How do pain patterns differ between different income groups worldwide?
Which preventive measures would be most effective in middle age?

Study shows: Pain doesn't just increase with age

Quick Look

A global study with data from over six million people from 118 countries shows that while the likelihood of pain increases with age, the greatest increase occurs before age 55.
After that, the curve flattens or reverses, especially in chronic whole-body pain.
Smoking, obesity and low income are clear risk factors in Western and Eastern Europe as well as North and Latin America.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Font size

Audio player is loading

Google

Click here to have WELT articles preferred in Google searches.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The results could lead to a revision of prevention strategies that start earlier in the life course.
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

Why does chronic whole-body pain decrease in old age?
What role do psychological factors play in the perception of pain in old age?
How do pain patterns differ between different income groups worldwide?
Which preventive measures would be most effective in middle age?

Study shows: Pain doesn't just increase with age

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

Study shows: Pain doesn't just increase with age

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

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