CDC: Older Arthritis Sufferers Expected to Double in 25 Years

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the number of people 65 years old and over who have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms to nearly double to 41.1 million by 2030.

The CDC attributed the projected increase to expected increases in life expectancy due to improved treatment of other chronic diseases and lower death rates from infectious diseases. Also playing a role is better identification of arthritis.

Over the next 27 years, the CDC believes those 65 years of age and older in the United States with arthritis and other joint problems will jump from 12.9 percent to 20.0 percent.

To help the large numbers of older adults manage their arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, the CDC said viable and affordable programs have to be made available at the community level that improve function, decrease pain and delay disability among persons with arthritis.

According to the CDC, fewer than one percent of people with arthritis who could benefit from such interventions are currently touched by such programs.

Other sources: CDC