Easing the Ache: Supporting Seniors During National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month — and a timely reminder that chronic pain doesn’t stop with age. Many seniors experience frequent headaches or migraines, yet their symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for normal aging.

At Premier Senior Consultants, we believe every senior deserves comfort and clarity. Here’s what to know about what causes these headaches, what signs to watch for, and how the right care setting can make all the difference.

What’s Causing Headaches in Seniors?

Headaches in older adults often result from a combination of factors:

• Medications: Many prescriptions — especially for blood pressure, mood, or sleep — can cause headaches as a side effect. Drug interactions can compound the problem.
• Dehydration or poor nutrition: Seniors may eat and drink less than they need, leading to imbalances that trigger headaches.
• Vision changes: Outdated eyeglass prescriptions or eye strain from reading and screens can cause tension headaches.
• Sleep issues: Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea can worsen migraines and general head pain.
• Stress and mood changes: Loneliness, anxiety, or major life transitions can trigger physical symptoms like headaches.
• Chronic health conditions: Underlying issues like high blood pressure, arthritis in the neck, or TMJ may be the root cause.

When to Be Concerned

Chronic headaches aren’t just inconvenient — they may be a sign of something deeper. Look out for:

• Sudden or worsening pain
• Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Reliance on pain relievers
• Withdrawal from activities

Seniors may not always speak up about their pain, so paying attention to changes in behavior is key.

How the Right Care Can Help

A supportive living environment can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches by:

• Ensuring proper hydration and nutrition
• Managing medications safely
• Offering quiet, restful spaces and structured routines
• Connecting seniors to medical specialists
• Promoting social engagement to reduce emotional stress

At Premier Senior Consultants, we help families find senior living solutions that support both health and quality of life — including relief from persistent, hidden challenges like migraines.

Worried about your loved one’s pain?

Let’s talk. We’ll help you explore care options with compassion and clarity.