Arthritis NZ recently had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful community at Summerset on the Landing in Porirua, where we delivered a presentation on living well with arthritis. It was a relaxed and engaging session that focused on the simple, practical things we can all do to look after ourselves when living with arthritis.
When asked who in the room had arthritis, almost every hand went up – a powerful reminder that arthritis touches many of us, particularly as we age. But no matter how old you are or how long you’ve had arthritis, it’s never too late to take small, positive steps to support your health and wellbeing.
The discussion focused on ways to live well with arthritis, including the importance of listening to your body, pacing yourself, using joint protection techniques, and finding movement that feels right for you. We shared tips on staying active, staying connected, and making adjustments that can make daily life a little easier.
With winter now settling in, it’s especially important to keep our bodies moving—even gently. Cold weather can make joints feel stiff and sore, but movement helps to keep the blood flowing, warm up the muscles, keep tendons flexible, and support joint mobility. Movement doesn’t have to be big or strenuous to be effective—even small, gentle exercises can help reduce stiffness, maintain strength, and improve comfort.
To bring this to life, the group joined in on a few simple hand exercises. There were a few laughs, lots of participation, and some very nimble fingers! These kinds of exercises are a great way to keep your hands mobile and strong, supporting everyday activities like opening jars or holding a pen.
If you’d like to try some hand exercises yourself, here are some great resources:
Tips for managing arthritis in your hands factsheet
For Painful Fingers and Hands
A heartfelt thank you to the residents and staff at Summerset on the Landing. It was a real privilege to spend time with such a welcoming and lively group. We hope the session left you feeling inspired to keep moving, at your own pace and in your own way.
If you’d like support and information on keeping active during winter, give our free phone 0800 663 463 a call. You’ll be connected with an Arthritis Assist Advisor who can talk with you about what might work best for you.
