As we get older, our bodies become havens for pain. But there are steps we can all take to keep thriving. In this episode, we meet Orvie Prewitt who was met initially with painful challenges as she aged, but has been able to find ways to manage her pain, lead an active life, and along the way came up with tips for all of us to thrive.

"I don't want to sit and watch life go by. I want to become part of life," says Orvie.

As an arthritis program coordinator and grandmother, Orvie shares with listeners how she’s adapted her old routine so she can continue to make lasting memories with her daughter and granddaughter.

Some highlights in this episode:

1:48: “Thriving is really having a quality of life and being able to do some of the things that I really want to do,” says Orvie

2:59: Orvie is challenged with pain everyday

3:13: Orvie shares her tips for thriving while aching

4:09: Being physically active is key to managing arthritis pain, says Kathleen Cameron at the National Council on Aging

4:51: How does Orvie motivate herself when feeling pain?

6:11: Physical activity and healthy eating helped Orvie lose almost 60 pounds

7:30: Orvie’s granddaughter served as motivation

8:19: How Orvie started setting realistic goals

9:22: Positive “self-talk” is important too

10:33: Some activities Orvie had to adjust to as she got older

12:46: It's important for patients managing pain to discover new ways to find enjoyment

13:09: One recommendation is to “create a diary of daily activities and include what works for pain management,” suggests Kathleen

To learn more about some of the resources that Orvie mentions, you can visit: https://www.moarthritis.org/

Contact Our Host

Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: lferguson@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to ThrivingWhileAching@ghlf.org

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