Pain BC

Pain BC, a charitable organization focused on improving the lives of people living with pain through education, support and advocacy. Alongside our national action network Pain Canada, we offer free, evidence-informed education and support programs for people living with pain, as well as professional education for those who support them.

Pain becomes more common with age - nearly 1 in 3 people over 65 live with persistent pain - yet it’s often normalized as “just part of getting older.” Untreated or poorly understood pain can affect mobility, independence, sleep, mental health, and social participation, increasing feelings of isolation and risk of falls or hospitalization.

Education and support are often the missing pieces. Many older adults don’t receive accessible, practical information about pain or non-pharmacological ways to manage it. Pain BC’s programs help fill that gap, without replacing medical care, by supporting people to better understand pain and build skills for daily life.

Better pain understanding helps older adults stay independent, engaged, and safe - while reducing feelings of isolation, distress, and unnecessary healthcare use.

Pain BC offers free, evidence-informed programs, including:

• Pain education courses that help older adults understand pain and build self-management skills

• Peer support and short-term counselling for people living with pain

• Education opportunities for staff and volunteers supporting older adults

• Resources that promote safety, independence, and quality of life