As you age, you may feel aches and pains in new places. If you’re worried about arthritis, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors, particularly if you have family members dealing with the condition. While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are some things you can do to help prevent it or keep it from getting worse as you age.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing them to become inflamed, stiff, and tender. Certain habits can increase your risk of arthritis or make existing arthritis worse. If you smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing arthritis.
People who are inactive and do not eat a balanced diet may experience higher rates of arthritis. Researchers have found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps support joint health. Making healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in helping your joints stay strong and limber.
Stay Physically Active
As you age, you might not feel as energetic as you did before. However, staying physically active is important if you want to enjoy healthy joints long into the future. Low-impact exercise is a good idea because it can help you avoid potential injuries. Some activities you can do are:
- Weight training
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- At-home workouts
Exercising can help prevent arthritis for two reasons. First, it helps maintain a healthy weight, which puts less stress on your joints. Second, it keeps your joints strong and flexible and helps ward off the stiffness that happens with natural wear and tear on your body.
Prevent Injuries and Stress
When you injure your joints, you increase your risk of arthritis in the future. Repetitive stress injuries at work are a significant cause of joint pain and inflammation. Adapting your work habits so that your movements are ergonomic will help you prevent arthritis as you age.
When working at a computer, ensure the monitor is 15 degrees below your eye line to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your spine and neck. Switch to an ergonomic keyboard and set up your desk and chair to support your arms and hands while you type.
For labor-intensive jobs, always follow workplace safety regulations, such as lifting only what you can lift. Even cleaning the house regularly can put stress on your joints, so remember to take regular breaks to stretch.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent or manage arthritis so it doesn’t get worse is to attend regular doctor’s appointments. Early detection and treatment of symptoms can help you understand joint pain and give you enough time to make lifestyle changes that can make a positive difference.
Embrace Active Community Living
If you find it challenging to stay active and meet other older adults, you may enjoy transitioning to an active living community for seniors. With comfortable apartments, engaging programming, and a vibrant community, you can live your best years starting today. Schedule a visit to discover the difference community makes.
