It’s a fact of life: Aging causes “wear and tear” on the body’s musculoskeletal system, including natural deterioration of the cartilage and ligaments, resulting in chronic joint pain, stiffness and reduced flexibility among the elderly population.
About 70% of adults over 50 report joint pain at least occasionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, with osteoarthritis the most frequent cause of joint pain in older adults, caused by weakening of joint cartilage.
“A specialized connective tissue that plays crucial roles in the musculoskeletal system, cartilage provides support and protection by cushioning and absorbing shocks in the joints while protecting them from wear and tear,” says Saadan Niazi, MD, a family medicine resident with the South Texas Health System (STHS) GME Consortium. “As you age, it’s common to experience the natural deterioration of cartilage, which can cause pain, stiffness and a grating sensation as bones rub together. Lifestyle factors like high-impact activities, genetics and maintaining a healthy weight can influence how quickly this wear occurs.”
Unfortunately, joint pain can lead to serious physical and mental complications, including an increased risk of falls and fractures, reduced mobility, weight gain and related conditions, muscle weakness, sleep problems, social isolation and anxiety and depression.
“The bottom line: Joint pain can make life extremely difficult for the elderly by limiting their ability to participate in activities of daily living, causing stiffness and decreasing their mobility and independence,” says Dr. Niazi. “Managing joint pain often requires a comprehensive approach that includes professional medical care and lifestyle adjustments, as well as social and emotional support.”
To educate older adults in the Rio Grande Valley on joint pain and its impact on quality of life, STHS and Prominence Health are teaming up to host the latest installment of their popular Senior Living Seminar Series on Friday, November 7, 2025. Entitled “Living with Joint Pain,” the seminar will spotlight the common causes and risk factors for joint pain.
Held in the Texas Room at STHS Edinburg from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the event will feature Dr. Niazi highlighting strategies to maintain healthy joints, including the importance of good posture, stretching and staying active.
Additionally, the event will include healthy cooking and exercise demonstrations since diet and exercise play a vital role in protecting joint health.
During the seminar, attendees can take part in a community health fair featuring level-of-care assessments to determine the best level of care for you and your loved ones, including blood pressure and glucose checks.
For more information, and to register for this free event, please contact Veronica Galligan at 956-821-9569 or by email at Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com
Who: South Texas Health System & Prominence Health
What: Senior Living Seminar Series: Living with Joint Pain
When: Friday, November 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Texas Room South Texas Health System Edinburg 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About Prominence Health
Prominence Health began in 1993 as a health maintenance organization (HMO) and became a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 2014. They provide coverage to more than 60,000 fully insured, self-funded and Medicare Advantage members throughout Nevada and parts of Texas. Prominence operates seven Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C., which are managed care systems that benefit communities by providing coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. For more information about Prominence Health, visit ProminenceHealthPlan.com or ProminenceMedicare.com.
