Survey: Joint care a concern for Gen X
RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — A new survey of Americans ages 34 years and older released Tuesday found that 67% frequently experience joint stiffness and other concerns. While occasional joint issues are commonly associated with aging, the research shows that 66% of Gen-X and 67% of Boomers feel the effects such as overworked joints — almost an equal percentage.
The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research for Osteo Bi-Flex.
"Joint concerns increase as we age, as water content decreases, and cartilage surfaces begin to be affected," stated Ron Noy, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Prestige Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in New York City. "However, the survey shows that even below the age of 50, many of us are beginning to experience occasional joint stiffness. So, it's never too early to start supporting joint health and maintain it, so we can keep moving and enjoy an active lifestyle."
According to the survey, younger Americans may be taking heed to such advice. As many as 79% of Gen-X respondents said they are concerned about joint health as they age. And, 62% of Gen-Xers said they are concerned about developing joint issues due to excessive activity. On average, based on their current physical condition, Americans said they feel 49 years old — and for 36% of those surveyed, that's older than their actual age.
"The moral of the story is to be proactive for healthy joints today, so you are ready for action tomorrow," commented Kimberly O'Connell-Vigliante, VP marketing, Osteo Bi-Flex. "We know that active joints require the best possible support. But, younger health champions were missing a product that meets their active lifestyles. That's why we created Osteo Bi-Flex edge to nurture and help defend their joints, and provide energy support and muscle health, so that they can keep living their most active life."
The survey suggests that joint health has considerable impact on people's lives. Some 57% of those who experience occasional joint stiffness said it has prevented them from enjoying something fully – including exercising regularly (38%), going on walks (27%) or playing with their kids or grandkids (15%).
Among those who have joint concerns, 31% said they're not in shape because of it; 15% said they're unhappy; 13% said they socialize less; and 13% report traveling less. Despite this, 40% of Americans said their bodies can "fight" or power through the issues.
According to the survey, more than half of runners (52%) frequently have to cut a run short because of their joint issues. Understandably, the desire for healthy joint function is strong – 45% of runners said they would be willing to give up their favorite dessert for life in order to run with healthy joints forever. Yet, it seems many runners may be running around the issue. When asked what items they think is the most important piece of equipment they need for running, their joints ran a distant second after sneakers (36% and 43%, respectively).
New Osteo Bi-Flex edge is available in two formulations: Osteo Bi-Flex edge Joint and Energy is formulated with B vitamins, Joint Shield and glucosamine to help maximize flexibility and agility; help defend joints, promote joint mobility and provide energy support. Osteo Bi-Flex edge Joint and Muscle is formulated with Coenzyme Q-10, a natural muscle compound, Joint Shield and glucosamine to provide nourishment for joints and cartilage.