Arthritis causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints throughout our body. More than 100 different types of arthritis can affect us. A poor diet and physical inactivity can worsen the symptoms. Incorporate healthy practices in the day-to-day routine to maintain joint health, even in old age! Here are four tips for good joint health for your loved ones.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly can reduce feelings of pain, soothe joint stiffness and help your loved ones to eliminate fatigue. Opt for exercises that help your loved ones to stay active and won’t impose major stress on the joints, such as water-based and low-impact exercises. Examples of recommended activities include swimming or cycling. Your loved ones can also consider strength-training exercises that build muscle, since they enhance joint support, increase mobility and lessen joint stress.
Tai Chi is also highly recommended by experts, as a way to alleviate joint pain and stiffness, for those who suffer from arthritis. Tai Chi pairs deep breathing with a series of slow movements. It is greatly effective and can easily become a part of your loved ones’ daily exercise routine!
Walking and tennis – which are weight-bearing exercises – can be beneficial if your loved ones do not have arthritis. These activities ward off conditions like osteoarthritis, as they help to lubricate the joints and strengthen joint cartilage.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is a practical approach to pain relief. Being overweight puts additional stress on the joints, especially the knees, hips and spine. Lessening the load on the joints can be as easy as losing about 5 percent of your total weight. Additionally, losing weight can increase mobility, which makes it easier to stay active and is beneficial to overall health. This measure is also preventive – a healthy weight lowers osteoarthritis risk.
Take Special Care of the Joints
If your loved ones suffer from arthritis, their joints are likely to be weaker and susceptible to injury. Take some precautionary steps to protect them.
- Pay attention to the body – When your loved ones feel pain, the body is warning of possible overexertion. They should take a break to prevent the risk of injury.
- Don’t repeat similar movements – Doing so causes joint stress.
- Use the right muscles – When lifting a heavy box, for example, take special care to engage the muscles in the leg, instead of the back.
- Avoid strenuous activity whenever possible – When at the supermarket, always opt for a trolley, instead of carrying a hefty basket around.
Include Anti- Inflammatory Foods in the Diet
Eating well is the cornerstone of good health. This will help your loved ones to stave off arthritis, or improve symptoms they might experience. Eat vegetables, fruit, lean protein, dairy and whole grains regularly to sustain a healthy body. A wide range of fruits and vegetables contain beneficial antioxidants. Proteins found in plants like tofu, legumes and nuts can also go a long way in decreasing inflammation, as they contain polyphenols and antioxidants.
Prioritize Health and Wellness in Old Age
Maintaining good overall health is key – it supports good joint health. At TerraBella Summit, our comprehensive wellness programs nurture and strengthen the body, promoting healthy and happy living. Join our Greenville retirement community today!
