National Baby Boomer Pain Poll Reports: "50 Is The New 40," But Can The Body Keep Moving?

Pain Poll Compares Mental & Physical Effects of Turning 50

Fort Washington, PA . – Results from a new national “Pain Poll” survey of 50-something baby boomers (age 49-55, n=1026) showed that while 77 percent of boomers think “50 is the new 40,” unfortunately 55 percent of baby boomers said that their aches and pains have affected their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. The Pain Poll was sponsored by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the makers of TYLENOL® (acetaminophen), and conducted by Harris Interactive®.

The good news for 50-somethings is that 72 percent of males and females surveyed by the Pain Poll feel mentally 10 years younger than the age on their driver’s license; in contrast, the poll showed that 62 percent of 50-somethings feel physically the same as or older than the age on their driver’s license.

Overall, the Pain Poll found that 92 percent of 50-somethings have experienced aches and pains, and 52 percent said they experience aches and pains on a daily basis. In reaction, health expert Dr. Rosa Solorio offers 50-somethings the following advice about the importance of staying physically active.

“Remaining active and exercising for 50-somethings may be harder because of increased joint and early osteoarthritis pain, but at this age it is important to keep exercising because this will strengthen muscles and help to reduce stress on the joints that they support,” said Dr. Solorio. “It’s important to talk to your health care provider before beginning or changing your exercise routine.”

Dr. Rosa Solorio is working with the makers of TYLENOL® (acetaminophen), with support from the Arthritis Foundation, to help educate 50-something baby boomers about the importance of exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The education initiative includes the Keep Moving program, created by the makers of TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) with the guidance of a team of health experts. For more information young boomers who suffer from mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain can log on to www.justkeepmoving.com.

About Osteoarthritis

Among the most common aches and pains faced by Americans is osteoarthritis, which affects 21 million people in the United States, and that number will only grow as baby boomers age. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Factors that may cause it include: being overweight, getting older, joint injury, joints that are not properly formed, a genetic defect in joint cartilage, and stresses on the joints from working or playing sports. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to managing the condition. Treatment plans for most people with osteoarthritis will include a combination of the following elements:

* Exercise
* Weight control
* Joint protection
* Physical and occupational therapy
* Medications

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends acetaminophen as a first line drug therapy in treating mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. (The ACR is an independent, professional organization that does not endorse specific procedures or products of any pharmaceutical/biotech concern).

About the Keep Moving Program

The Keep Movingprogram (www.justkeepmoving.com) offers a strength and flexibility program specifically designed for young boomers who suffer from mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Visitors to www.justkeepmoving.com can receive a free kit featuring an exercise DVD, pedometer to help them keep moving, and information about pain relief. Before beginning or revising your exercise program, you should talk to your doctor.

Mel Harris and Patricia Wettig, known for their roles as Hope and Nancy on the hit TV show thirtysomething and who are now 50-something, are spokespersons for the Keep Moving program. Both embody healthy aging and the spirit of the Keep Moving program by making it a priority to remain physically active and mindful of their diets.

“I was not going to let turning 50 slow me down! Mel and I want to share our experiences with our fellow 50-something women to help encourage them also to stay healthy and active as they enter their fifties also,” added Patricia Wettig, currently starring on ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters.”

“Taking care of yourself – which includes eating right, exercising and managing your pain – is important, whatever age you are,” says Mel Harris, currently starring in MyNetworkTV’s “Saints & Sinners.” “I have lived by this and am thrilled to partner with the makers of TYLENOL® to spread the word.”