Managing Arthritis in Seniors: Practical Tips to Reduce Pain and Improve Daily Life

Kris Aiken
Jun 3
3 min read

Elderly man in striped shirt holds hands with someone in a striped shirt, seated on a striped armchair. Warm, supportive setting.

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health conditions among older adults, affecting nearly 1 in 2 seniors in Canada. It’s more than just “joint pain.” Arthritis can impact every part of a person’s life—from how they move and sleep to how confident and independent they feel.

The good news? With the right strategies and support, living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up your lifestyle. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one, there are many simple ways to help manage symptoms, reduce discomfort, and promote overall well-being.

Understanding Arthritis: What’s Really Going On?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 different joint-related conditions, but the two most common types in seniors are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Caused by wear and tear over time. It often affects knees, hips, fingers, and the spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing swelling and pain.

Common symptoms include:

Morning stiffness that lasts over 30 minutes
Swollen, tender joints
Difficulty moving or bending
Fatigue and disrupted sleep
Reduced grip strength or fine motor skills

Pain can be constant, or it may come and go. And because arthritis often develops gradually, many people don’t realize how much it’s affecting them until they start to lose mobility or avoid activities they once enjoyed.

Daily Strategies to Help Seniors Live Better with Arthritis

🏃‍♀️ 1. Gentle Movement is Medicine

It might seem counterintuitive, but staying active is one of the best ways to manage arthritis.

Low-impact exercises keep joints lubricated, strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve circulation—all of which reduce pain and inflammation.

Try:

Morning stretching routines or chair yoga
Aquatic therapy (the buoyancy of water relieves joint pressure)
Tai chi or guided balance exercises
10-minute walks after meals to loosen joints and improve digestion

Tip: Avoid long periods of sitting still. Encourage movement every hour, even if it’s just standing and stretching for a few minutes.

🧰 2. Simplify Daily Tasks with Smart Tools

Arthritis can make everyday tasks—like opening jars or getting dressed—feel frustrating or even impossible. Adaptive tools are affordable and life-changing.

Helpful items include:

Easy-grip kitchen utensils
Jar and bottle openers
Button hooks and zipper pulls
Raised toilet seats or walk-in tubs
Electric can openers and lightweight cookware

These aids reduce strain, increase independence, and restore confidence.

🔥🧊 3. Use Heat and Cold Therapy the Right Way

Applying heat can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to stiff joints, while cold therapy numbs sharp pain and reduces swelling after activity.

How to use safely:

Use a warm towel or heating pad in the morning (limit to 15–20 minutes)
Apply a cold pack to inflamed joints in the evening (no longer than 10–15 minutes)
Alternate as needed—but never apply directly to bare skin

Many seniors also find relief from warm baths with Epsom salts, which combine heat and gentle hydrotherapy.

🏡 4. Make the Home a Safer, More Comfortable Place

Small home modifications can make a big difference in preventing accidents and reducing physical strain.

Suggestions:

Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs
Use non-slip mats and clear walkways
Keep frequently used items at waist height
Add a cushioned mat in front of sinks or workspaces
Replace round doorknobs with lever-style handles

Creating an arthritis-friendly environment not only prevents falls—it allows seniors to stay comfortably in their homes longer.

🧑‍⚕️ 5. Get Professional Help When Needed

Pain management and physical support shouldn’t be left entirely to family members. Partnering with experienced healthcare providers ensures the right care, at the right time.

A physical therapist can:

Create personalized movement and strengthening plans
Monitor progress and reduce the risk of joint damage
Recommend braces or supportive footwear

A home care provider can:

Assist with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Provide medication reminders and help with pain management routines
Offer companionship and encouragement for daily activities

🧡 How The Care Company Can Support Seniors with Arthritis

At The Care Company, we understand that arthritis isn’t just about aching joints—it’s about quality of life. Our compassionate caregivers and nurses specialize in helping seniors manage chronic conditions like arthritis with dignity, safety, and kindness.

We offer: