Which of the following is commonly associated with joint pain in older adults?

Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with joint pain in older adults due to its prevalence as a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects those in this age group. This condition arises from the wear and tear on the articular cartilage over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairments in the joints. As older adults age, their joints experience mechanical stress and changes in cartilage, making osteoarthritis a frequent culprit of joint pain, especially in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.

While rheumatoid arthritis and gout are also causes of joint pain, osteoarthritis is observed more commonly among older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, typically affects individuals earlier in life and involves systemic symptoms and joint deformity. Gout, characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, warmth, and swelling, is linked to hyperuricemia but is less common than osteoarthritis in the general elderly population. Thus, osteoarthritis emerges as the most prevalent cause of joint pain in older adults, making it the correct answer in this context.