Aging gradually wears down the cartilage and fluid that protect our joints, but avoiding movement may actually make matters worse. Exercise helps nourish cartilage, strengthens the muscles that protect joints, and can reduce osteoarthritis pain. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, tai c hi, yoga, and walking on varied terrain may also improve balance and mobility. Even a few minutes of the right kind of movement can make a difference. ...read more read less