Living with arthritis doesn’t mean that you have to spend your retirement years in a rocking chair. In fact, the opposite is true. Learning how to stay active, and how to cope with the daily effects of joint pain and stiffness, are the keys to living well with arthritis. Take control of arthritis and make the most of your retirement years! 

Arthritis can make activities of daily living difficult --- simple things like opening a jar of pickles, picking up something from the floor,combing your hair, or getting up from a chair can be a challenge.

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects nearly 27 million Americans and about half of adults age 60+. Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis is one of 100 different forms of the disease. It occurs when cartilage breaks down and causes bone damage. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving the joint. 

Osteoarthritis usually begins in mid-life. In fact, the baby boomer generation represents 76 million people at risk for developing arthritis.

If you are experiencing arthritis pain, or having difficulty performing activities of daily living, the following suggestions can help you live well with arthritis:

Think of Your Doctor as Your Partner - Medical management plays an important role in controlling your arthritis. Your management plan may involve medications, physical therapy or surgery. If you communicate clearly and concisely with your doctor about how you feel, he or she can monitor your progress and make adjustments to keep your discomfort under control. Download a consumer guide to help you make the most of your next doctor’s appointment.

Get Up and Stay Active - Physical activity is a proven arthritis pain reliever. It should be part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. The right kind of joint-friendly exercise is known to decrease pain and stiffness, increase strength and flexibility, and improve mobility, balance and coordination. Just 30 minutes a day, in 10-minute increments, three days a week, can help you feel better. Contact the Arthritis Foundation to learn more about exercise options in your community.

Consider Vitamins and Supplements - Check with your doctor to see if he or she recommends the addition of vitamins and supplements to your treatment regimen.  According to a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, a commonly known combination of two supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin, has been shown to decrease pain for those with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee. To learn more about which vitamins and supplements may help with arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation and order a copy of its "Vitamin and Supplement Guide."

Use Assistive Devices - Canes, walkers, and grab bars aren’t the only assistive devices that can make your daily activities easier and safer. For example, if you have trouble bending over to pick up an object from the floor, consider using a grabbing device.  Enjoy cooking or gardening? There are tools to streamline your work in the kitchen or flower bed. Some manufacturers have even developed arthritis friendly products, such as easy-to-open medication bottles. Download the Ease-of-Use brochure to learn more about joint-friendly products.

Enlist the Support of Family, Friends and Caregivers – Share information about your arthritis and its management. Consider joining a support group, or taking a self-management class. When you involve your loved ones in your arthritis management plan, they can better understand the care you need, provide emotional support, and encourage your efforts to live well with arthritis.

Living well with arthritis is possible, no matter what your age. Celebrate Arthritis Awareness Month this May by taking control of your arthritis! To learn more, contact the Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter at www.arthritis.org/chapters/michigan or 1-800-968-3030.