Shaded by a large mango tree, two older women sat in comfortable wicker chairs—the scent of ripening fruit mingled with the distant sounds of the bustling streets. Nana and Kemi, lifelong friends, had shared countless moments under this tree, their bond forged through a shared passion for dance.

“Do you remember the first time we danced at the interschool competition?” Nana asked, a wistful smile playing on her lips.

Kemi chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. “How could I forget? We were so nervous, our knees shaking more than they do now with arthritis.”

They both laughed, the sound rich with memories. Dance had been their sanctuary, a means to lose themselves in the rhythm of highlife and juju music, their bodies moving as if they were born to do only that.

“I miss those days,” Nana said, her voice tinged with sadness. “The freedom, the energy… the way we could dance all night and still feel fresh in the morning.”

Kemi nodded, her smile fading slightly. “Yes, it was a different time. Now, even getting out of bed feels like a performance.”

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of their arthritis pressing down on them like an invisible burden. The pain in their joints was a constant reminder of their age, a stark contrast to the graceful fluidity they once possessed.

“But you know,” Nana said, breaking the silence, “I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. We lived a full life, Kemi. We danced under the stars, we felt the music in our souls, and we made people smile. Not everyone gets to say that.”

Kemi’s eyes softened, a tear slipping down her cheek. “You’re right, Nana. We were lucky. We still are. To have danced, to have felt that joy, and to still be here, reminiscing about it all.”

Nana reached over, taking Kemi’s hand in hers. “Remember the night we won the dance competition? The crowd cheering, the confetti falling…”

Kemi laughed, squeezing Nana’s hand. “How could I forget? We were the queens of the dance floor. And the look on Mr Dapo’s face when we lifted the trophy! He never thought two girls from our neighbourhood could win.”

“Especially not us,” Nana added, her smile broadening. “We proved everyone wrong. We showed them that passion and hard work could take you anywhere.”

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a well-rehearsed performance. They talked about the vibrant nightlife of their youth, the late-night rehearsals, and the friends they had made along the way. Each memory was a step in a cherished routine, and each laugh a note in a beloved song.

“I wish we could dance one more time,” Nana said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kemi nodded, the ache in her heart mirroring the ache in her joints. “Me too, Nana. Me too.”

They sat in silence, the weight of their unfulfilled wish hanging in the air. But as the sun dipped, casting a golden hue over the courtyard, a sense of peace settled over them.

The sound of drums and guitars filled their minds, transporting them back to the dance halls of their youth. They were still those young girls in their hearts, twirling and spinning with boundless energy, the music their guide. They knew that even though their bodies had changed, the spirit of the dance still lived within them. And that was enough.

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. While it can affect younger adults, especially those with obesity or past injuries, it is most common in people aged 65 and older. 

There are also over 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

As we age, our joints naturally weaken. For those with arthritis, this wear and tear can lead to significant pain and discomfort. This condition reflects a life full of movement and activity. As caregivers, it’s our responsibility to help seniors like Kemi and Nana manage their arthritis and enjoy their later years comfortably. Here are some ways to manage arthritis.

• Avoid Straining Activities: Try not to climb stairs without assistance or aids, or sit for long periods. Avoid squatting, bending, or kneeling too often.
• Use Support: Use a walker or stick to reduce joint stress.
• Keep a Healthy Weight: This can help lessen joint pain.
• Heat and Cold Packs: Use heat packs to ease stiff joints and cold packs to reduce inflammation.
• Stay Hydrated at All Times: Water can lubricate the joint and further ease the pain. 
• Exercise Regularly: Do low-impact exercises like walking and swimming to keep the joints flexible.
• Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include whole grains, vegetables, fish, and nuts in your diet to help reduce inflammation.
• Maintain Proper Posture: Good posture can reduce joint stress and prevent further injury.
• Relaxation: Relax by listening to soft or classical music. Engage in hobbies you enjoy to reduce stress.
• Cut Back on Oil and Salt: Too much can cause joint stiffness from water retention.
• Use Natural Oils: Massaging joints with castor oil or shea butter can ease pain and stiffness.

For expert tips on caring for a parent or grandparent with arthritis, contact us at @Ìtọ́jú. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are here to provide the care your loved ones need. For more information about our luxury senior living care services, reach out to us today.