Arthritis Impacts the Daily Lives of Canadians Young and Old
Arthritis Impacts the Daily Lives of Canadians Young and Old
Contrary to the belief that older adults with arthritis experience more severe physical and mental health outcomes, our study demonstrates wide-ranging impacts of arthritis on individuals of all ages. In fact, we found that older adults were less likely to report worse outcomes such as joint pain, sleep limitations, high levels of stress and suboptimal mental health than younger adults. In light of these findings, public health messaging should stress that arthritis does not just affect the elderly and should emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment at all ages in order to prevent or, minimize arthritis related impairment.
Conclusions
Contrary to the belief that older adults with arthritis experience more severe physical and mental health outcomes, our study demonstrates wide-ranging impacts of arthritis on individuals of all ages. In fact, we found that older adults were less likely to report worse outcomes such as joint pain, sleep limitations, high levels of stress and suboptimal mental health than younger adults. In light of these findings, public health messaging should stress that arthritis does not just affect the elderly and should emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment at all ages in order to prevent or, minimize arthritis related impairment.
