How Movement Supports Healthy Aging

A version of this video with audio description track is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLTuugQAVA

Chronic pain in older adults can affect mobility, mood, sleep, social connection, and independence. Una Makris, M.D., M.Sc., UC San Diego and VA San Diego Healthcare System, explains why musculoskeletal pain is common later in life and why medications or procedures alone may not meet the needs of many patients. Drawing on her work in rheumatology and geriatrics, Makris describes how pain and depression can reinforce each other, making it important to address both together. She highlights an age-friendly behavioral coaching approach that uses motivational interviewing, values-based goal setting, physical activity, and social support to help people reconnect with meaningful activities. By focusing on small, safe increases in movement, this research points to practical ways to support better function, quality of life, and healthy aging. Recorded on 05/20/2026. [Show ID: 41172]

0:00 Aging, Pain and Mobility
4:06 Why Chronic Pain Is Common in Older Adults
6:39 How Pain and Depression Are Connected
9:55 Why Patients Want More Than Medication
11:40 Behavioral Tools for Pain Management
15:38 Motivate: Coaching for Pain and Depression
18:52 How Motivational Interviewing Supports Change
20:28 Telephone Coaching and Access to Care
28:16 Early Results from Motivate
35:09 Why Movement Matters for Healthy Aging

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FAQ
Q: How are chronic pain and depression connected in older adults?
A: Makris explains that pain and depression are deeply interconnected. Chronic pain can contribute to depression, isolation, sleep problems, and reduced mobility, while depression and anxiety can make pain harder to manage. She emphasizes that both need to be acknowledged and addressed together.
Q: What is the Motivate program?
A: Motivate is a telephone-based behavioral coaching program for older adults with pain and depressive symptoms. It uses motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and values-based physical activity goals to help patients move more safely and reconnect with meaningful activities.
Q: Why focus on movement when someone is in pain?
A: Makris explains that mobility is one of the strongest predictors of independence and healthy aging. Small, meaningful increases in movement can support function, mood, and quality of life, especially when goals are tied to what matters most to the patient.