One of the most frustrating things about arthritis is that you can't do normal tasks that you used to be able to do. And seeing anyone easily able to do the gardening, open a jar, turn a doorknob or even use a stapler can just be maddening. Often, the only recourse for an arthritis sufferer was to take a lot pain medicine, ask for help or go without. But now the Baby Boomer generation has hit their late sixties, products that are easier to use are in demand. They are often sold as "easy to use products" or, more commonly, "arthritis products".

How They Work

Arthritis works just like the normal version of, say a stapler, but it is designed with someone who can't flex their fingers easily. Instead of having to push hard down on a stapler to get it to work, you just gently press to staple. The arthritis products sometimes have batteries that do most of the work for you. There is even an easy spray bottle to freeze dog poop to make it easier to pick up.

Other arthritis products are being made by major manufacturers of common everyday products. Instead of having to unscrew a jar of coffee, now you can just snap a plastic lid on and off. Or, you can get a easy to hold jar opener that sucks onto the lid, making it a lot easier to unscrew. Some appliances are being made lighter to specifically target arthritis sufferers. Some medicines are now joining the ranks of arthritis products, going back to snap on lids that pre-dated childproof lids. In getting some arthritis products like medicines with easy open lids, be sure small children and pets can't get a hold of them.

Where To Find Them

Arthritis products are usually next to "regular" products on your grocery, gardening, department store or pharmacy. Arthritis products are often placed in stores at eye or hip level, so you don't have do a lot of bending or relying on someone else to get the product from the shelf to your shopping cart. To find a list of arthritis products recommended by The Arthritis Foundation, just check out their website or write to them. There are also companies that specialize in arthritis products. They can be found online or through the help of your doctor's office or librarian. You can even ask retail shop workers, who have to handle a lot of arthritis products in their jobs.