Poor posture and inactive routines could be silently hurting your joints—but the good news is, simple daily changes can make a big difference.

According to Simon Thomas, Senior Director at Max Super Specialty Hospital, maintaining the right posture is the first step toward healthier knees and joints.

“Any posture that forces you to lean for long periods isn’t good,” Dr. Thomas explains. He advises staying upright while working, avoiding excessive bending, and not sitting on the floor for too long. Instead, taking regular breaks, moving around, and adding light exercise to your day can go a long way in protecting your joints.

Nutrition also plays a key role. Ensuring adequate calcium intake and using supplements when needed can help maintain bone strength over time.

Interestingly, Dr. Thomas points out that joint problems are not necessarily on the rise—what has changed is awareness. “Earlier, many people ignored joint pain after the age of 50, often due to lack of knowledge about diet and exercise,” he says. Today, more people are actively seeking solutions and taking charge of their health.

With the right lifestyle habits, he adds, it’s entirely possible to stay active and healthy well into your 70s and 80s.

He also clears up a common misconception around surgery. “Only about 5% of osteoarthritis patients actually need surgery. Nearly 90% can manage their condition effectively through exercise and lifestyle changes,” he notes.

The takeaway? You don’t need drastic measures—just better habits. Stand tall, stay active, eat right, and your joints will thank you for years to come.