Background: Worldwide, there is an increasing number of older adults, the majority of whom remain living at home. Not infrequently they live with long-term pain, especially musculoskeletal pain, which is associated with increased disability (physical, psychological, social) and a negative impact on quality of life. A deeper understanding of how older adults experience living with this type of pain is needed in order to improve well-being and quality of life. The study focused on the actual experience by living with this global, prevailing and disabling type of pain. The aim was to describe commonalities in how older adults endure long-term musculoskeletal pain in their daily life at home. Methods: This inductive, descriptive study included qualitative semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 19 participants (66 to 88 years) in their homes. Qualitative content analysis by Graneheim and Lundman was used to identify themes crossing participants' experiences of enduring long-term pain in their daily life. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: All participants felt forced into "learning to live with pain" (main theme), in order to endure their pain. In time, they learned that: taking the pain as it comes, one day at a time; balancing the pain with activity, thoughts and emotions; self-talking; trying to be less of a burden to family and others; and capturing, enjoying and valuing moments of pleasure (sub-themes) helped them endure the pain. Conclusions: This experience was dominated by learning. The approaches generated to learn to endure pain in daily living by these participants should be discussed with older adults in similar situations for further additions, refinements and validation. Nurses can help to ease the older adult's suffering by tailoring individualized and holistic care focused on guiding the older adult in learning to live with pain and preserving and promoting health and well-being with a maximum of care and a minimum of intrusion.
