Quality of Life SOARS with Simple “Perception” Hack
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You’re only as old as you feel.”
Well, if you’re someone who suffers from the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis, then you might be feeling pretty old.
You may even find yourself discouraged about what the future holds.
If this sounds familiar, I assure you this CAN change.
In fact, a simple hack can TRANSFORM how you think about aging and your overall health.
And when you do, your quality of life will shoot through the roof.
Researchers recruited 99 volunteers with arthritis for a recent study.
They were asked about their weekly physical activity level and completed a questionnaire about how they felt they were aging.
It turns out perception really IS everything.
In general, the participants who got less physical activity felt WORSE about aging and perceived themselves as less healthy.
In contrast, more active folks had a BETTER perception of their general health, the amount of social support they had, and how they were aging.
Previous studies found that physical activity is VITAL for people with arthritis.
It can…
- decrease bone loss,
- keep muscles around the joints strong,
- and help control joint pain and swelling.
This obviously leads to better joint function and less pain. But it ALSO contributes to a better mood and overall outlook.
In other words, staying physically active sends your quality of life SOARING.
The study confirms that folks who keep moving feel better about aging because they feel better in general.
That’s something that holds true whether you have arthritis or not.
P.S. Easy checklist turns BACK the aging clock.
SOURCE:
Leiber S., et al., “Effectiveness of a Technology-enabled Self-monitoring and Physical Therapist Counselling Program for Improving Self-management Ability in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” American College of Rheumatology, Abstract Number: 0806, Presented at the 2023 ACR Convergence meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, November 10 to 15 in San Diego
