May is National Arthritis Awareness Month

Seniors, it’s time to get walking

 

“I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either.” ~ Jack Benny

 

 

Of course, there’s nothing humorous about arthritis. It’s a painful physical debilitation (defined as “joint inflammation”), and there is no cure for it. But there are ways to live with it and ease the illness.

 

 

The name “arthritis” actually describes more than 100 diseases and medical conditions that affect joints and the tissues surrounding them, and people of all ages can be afflicted with the disease. But it’s primarily seniors who suffer the joint pains and stiffness caused by arthritis. Seniors like the late comedian Jack Benny, who decided to make light of it, live with it, and walk on in spite of it.

 

 

Spearheaded by the Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Awareness Month aims to make people more conscious of the disease and the issues involved with caring for and living with the arthritis. Arthritis Awareness Month is also a great time to motivate members of the community (with or without the disease) to get up and moving; get out and get walking, while raising funds for arthritis research, support, and advocacy.

 

 

For those who suffer from arthritis, walking has been shown to ease arthritis pain, reduce fatigue, and increase range-of-motion. What’s more, walking is low impact on the joints, can be done almost anywhere, and doesn't require special equipment or a gym membership. National Arthritis Awareness Month is a standing reminder to seniors. It reminds them they should go for a walk on a regular basis to get the heart pumping (and the joints moving).

 

 

For those wishing to support arthritis research, awareness, and treatment, the Arthritis Foundation coordinates a number of benefit walks throughout the year. To participate in a walk, see a list of times and locations by visiting Arthritis Walk®.

 

 

What else can you do? You can celebrate Arthritis Awareness Month by starting a walking program today, whether you suffer from arthritis or not: let’s all get moving for arthritis prevention and for the betterment of our health overall.

 

 

To learn more about arthritis and National Arthritis Awareness Month, visit the websites of: the Arthritis Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Mayo Clinic.

 

 

For information about senior housing and services, visit AlternativesforSeniors.com or call one of our Information Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST for personalized help in locating the senior housing that best fits your needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Writer: Ryan Allen