How does pain perception typically change with age?

Pain perception generally decreases in intensity with age due to several physiological changes in the nervous system. As individuals age, there is a decline in the overall sensitivity of the nociceptive pathways. This can be attributed to a reduction in the number of functional nociceptors, changes in the central processing of pain signals, and modifications in neurotransmitter systems.

Additionally, older adults often have more experience in coping with pain, which may influence their perception and reporting of pain. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the 'pain threshold,' as older individuals may report experiencing pain less intensely or more tolerantly compared to younger individuals.

Furthermore, the presence of comorbidities and the use of medications in older populations can also affect pain perception, either alleviating pain or altering how pain is experienced. Overall, the trends in pain sensitivity indicate a decrease in the intensity of pain perception as individuals age.