Living Well with Arthritis: What Every Senior Should Know
May is Arthritis Awareness Month
Every May, Arthritis Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most widespread — and most misunderstood — health conditions facing older Americans. If you or someone you love has been dealing with stiff mornings, aching joints, or the slow erosion of activities that once came effortlessly, you are not alone. Arthritis affects more than 58 million adults in the United States, making it the leading cause of disability in the country. For seniors, it is almost a rite of passage — but it doesn’t have to mean the end of an active, fulfilling life.
What is arthritis?
Many people use “arthritis” as if it were a single disease, but it is actually an umbrella term covering more than 100 different joint conditions. The two most common types among older adults are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis — often called the “wear and tear” type — occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones gradually wears down over time. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain that can be severe.
Other forms include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus-related joint disease, each with their own triggers and treatments. A proper diagnosis from your doctor is the essential first step — because the right treatment depends entirely on the type of arthritis you have.
Recognizing the signs
Arthritis symptoms vary, but common warning signs include persistent joint pain or tenderness, morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes, swelling or warmth around a joint, reduced range of motion, and a grating or clicking sensation during movement. It is easy to dismiss these symptoms as “just getting older,” but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease and prevent further joint damage. If you have been putting off a conversation with your doctor, this month is a good nudge to make that appointment.
Management: more options than ever before
The good news is that arthritis management has come a long way. Decades ago, the advice was often simply to rest and take pain relievers. Today, doctors recognize that a proactive, multi-pronged approach produces far better results — especially for seniors.
Exercise, though it may seem counterintuitive when joints are sore, is one of the most powerful tools available. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, water aerobics, tai chi, and gentle yoga help keep joints flexible, strengthen the muscles that support them, and reduce pain over time. The Arthritis Foundation offers evidence-based exercise programs designed specifically for older adults, many of which are available through local community centers and the YMCA.
Medication plays an important role as well. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and topical anti-inflammatory creams can relieve mild to moderate pain, while your doctor may prescribe stronger medications — including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis — if needed. Always discuss any new medication with your healthcare provider, as some common pain relievers can interact with heart or blood pressure drugs frequently taken by seniors.
Small daily habits, big difference
Beyond formal treatment, simple lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully reduce arthritis symptoms day to day. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most impactful steps you can take: for every pound of excess weight, your knees bear roughly four additional pounds of pressure. Losing even 10 to 15 pounds can lead to a noticeable reduction in joint pain. Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables, salmon, olive oil, and nuts can also help calm joint inflammation from the inside out.
Heat therapy — warm compresses, heating pads, or warm baths — helps loosen stiff joints and soothe aching muscles, especially in the morning. Cold packs are better after activity to reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. Assistive devices like ergonomic jar openers, wide-grip pens, and shower grab bars can protect your joints while preserving your independence at home.
A final word
Arthritis Awareness Month is a reminder that you do not have to accept pain as an inevitable part of aging. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing arthritis for years, there are always new strategies to explore, new support networks to tap into, and reasons to keep moving. Learn more about Arthritis at arthritis.org.
Dr. Ken Sebastianelli has served as Medical Director for Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, a Jewish Senior Life Community, since 2012. Dr. Sebastianelli is a board-certified Internal Medicine practitioner with Prime Med Medical Group, and is affiliated with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
