Arthritis in Older Adults: Patient Thoughts on Symptoms, Management, & Clinician Counseling

Nearly 50% of older adults say arthritis or joint pain limits their usual daily activities, yet many have not discussed medication risks with their health care provider, according to new findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA). NPHA surveys are fielded twice a year using a sample of approximately 2000 Americans aged 50-80 years drawn from a nationally representative probability-based panel of US households. For this particular poll, published September 2022, respondents were asked about their experiences with, and management of, arthritis and joint pain. Below, key results regarding prevalence and severity of arthritis; patient attitudes towards arthritis and symptom self-management; use of medications, substances, and nonpharmacologic treatments; and clinician counseling on risks of medication interactions.