A new report finds that arthritis—the most common cause of disability in the U.S.—now affects some 46 million Americans, or more than 21 percent of the country’s adult population. And, as the Baby Boomers age that number is expected to increase; in fact, researchers estimate that 40 percent of American adults will suffer from some form of arthritic disease by 2030.

Key findings of the study, which was published in the January issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, are available on the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/misc/new_estimates.htm.  The study also is highlighted in a HealthDay News article at http://www.4woman.org/news/english/611440.htm. 

“Arthritis remains a large and growing problem,” said lead researcher Dr. Charles G. Helmick, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Cases of osteoarthritis have risen, while rheumatoid arthritis has gone down since our last estimate.” An aging population is the main reason osteoarthritis is on the rise, and obesity also plays a role.  

The good news is that according to one expert, arthritis can be controlled or prevented by staying active and keeping weight under control. “If you lose as little as 10 pounds, you can decrease pain in the knees and hips by 50 percent,” said Dr. Patience White, chief public health officer at the Arthritis Foundation. 

This is potentially good information for use in networking to RPNs, and in marketing to seniors and their families, since it underscores the benefits that clients can derive from maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle—frequently, with the help of a Home Instead CAREGiver.  In addition, looking toward the future, it’s probably safe to assume that an increasing number of your clients will have some form of arthritis, which often brings with it physical problems such as limitations in mobility or dexterity.