Don’t Let Osteoarthritis Slow You Down

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21st National Senior Citizens Day to raise awareness about issues that affect seniors and their quality of life. Approximately 80% of adults aged 55 or older have osteoarthritis (OA). Seniors are contributing more years of mentorship and productivity than ever before. Advances in clinical research and potential new options provide hope for a future where osteoarthritis doesn’t slow you down.

What is Osteoarthritis?

OA is a degenerative joint disease that can severely limit an individual’s daily activities both in mobility and often chronic pain. It is the most common type of arthritis where the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. The cartilage becomes frayed and rough, and the protective space between the bones decreases. This can result in bone rubbing on bone and produce painful bone spurs.

Mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed, though nothing can reverse the damage to joints. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following specific treatments might slow the progression of the disease and improve pain and joint function.

National Senior Citizens Day and Improving OA Options

When Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation declaring August 21st National Senior Citizens Day, he said, “For all they have achieved throughout life, and for all, they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

National Senior Citizens Day was created to give back to the seniors who have positively impacted our lives and have already given so much. When you have OA, continuing to lead a life of independence means advancing how this condition is detected, managed, and eventually cured. Participating in clinical research studies helps improve the options available for it.