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Fear Achy Joints as You Grow Older?

Don’t just sit there—do something!

If you spend just 11 minutes a day—or about an hour and a quarter a week—engaged in moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking, you may be able to reduce your arthritis risk. In a recent Australian study, thousands of middle-aged (50s) and older (70s) women with no history of joint pain were tracked over a three-year period. Middle-aged women who exercised moderately were less likely to report having joint aches and pains than were middle-aged sedentary women. Older women who exercised even at low levels reported doing better than their sedentary counterparts.

Already have arthritis? Ask your doctor if you should try swimming, pool exercises, or tai chi. Another Australian study found that these gentle workouts helped older people with severe arthritis feel better.