Elderly Put Best Foot Forward With Arthritis Message

The Bandra-Worli sea link entrance off Bandra Reclamation was abuzz with an unlikely bunch of walkers on Sunday morning. Clad in bright yellow T-Shirts , the smiling silver brigade marched with sticks for support. For some, a walkathon may be just another event but for these septuagenarians , it was all about creating milestones. Expressing solidarity with those suffering from arthritis, the walkathon organised by Dignity Foundation on World Arthritis Day, saw the participation of 1,000-odd senior citizens , walking a distance of 1.5 km. The event-organised for the third consecutive yearaims at generating awareness, clearing myths and answering questions about one of the most debilitating diseases.

President of Dignity Foundation Dr Sheilu Sreenivasan said this was the third year of the event and the response, as always , has been overwhelming. "We are happy to have received an enthusiastic response,'' she said. According to doctors, about 8-10 % of Mumbaikars suffer from arthritis, and nearly 25% of Mumbaikars show symptoms of the condition. Arthritis may reduce life expectancy by 10 years. The data compiled by Dignity Foundation reveals that arthritis, which is one of the most common causes of disability , affects nearly one person in every family and refers to a group of over 100 different conditions. "The elderly are most affected by this ailment. This walkathon comprised people who suffered from arthritis at one time and then overcame it. We aim to make patients confident and restore their joy in motion,'' said a senior doctor.