Final answer:
Approximately 50% of older adults with persistent pain experience major depression, a condition with significant disability and high non-fatal disease burden, particularly prevalent among the elderly due to their various health challenges and increased risk for functional impairments. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among older adults with persistent pain, approximately 50% experience major depression. This statistic emphasizes the close relationship between chronic pain and mental health, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD), which is a significant cause of disability and has a high non-fatal disease burden.
Older adults often face a variety of health challenges, including arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and an increased risk of functional impairments, all of which can contribute to or exacerbate depressive symptoms.
As the age progresses, the risk for both depression and functional impairments increases, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing mental health in the elderly population. The correct option is C.