The Combined Effects of Chronic Pain and Different Types of Isolation on the Incidence of Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Prospective Cohort Study

Social isolation is a critical public health issue that increases pain sensitivity and exacerbates chronic pain, leading to further social limitations. However, the risk of disability when these factors overlap remains unclear. This study hypothesized that the coexistence of social isolation and chronic pain would elevate disability incidence among community-dwelling older adults.