60+

A recent Australian study shows a clear correlation between exercise and lower joint pain in older women.

Women in their 70’s who exercised 75 minutes per week had fewer arthritis symptoms than those who did less, and those who exercised for 2½ hours a week had even less in the ensuing three year period.

Although there was a clear correlation between exercise and the level of arthritic pain, the reasons for less pain was less clear, though they are likely to include element of movement and exercise improving the joints, gradually reduced weight on the joints through exercise, and perhaps exercise causing pain receptors to become less sensitive.

Women suffer from arthritis more than men, and risk increases with age.  The study was published in Arthritis Research and Therapy, and quotes the author as saying that walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi and even weight training are great ways for older women to exercise.