Isn't chronic joint pain just a part of getting old?

Yes… and no.

It's common to see older adults in our society moving slowly or struggling with joint pain, so it's easy to assume that pain and stiffness are just part of aging. But that’s not the full picture.

In industrialized societies, most people move in very limited ways day after day—sitting, walking short distances, and doing repetitive tasks. Over time, this lack of varied movement causes joints and muscles to stiffen, weaken, and become painful. We then blame aging, when in reality, it's the lack of movement that's the bigger culprit.

In contrast, studies of indigenous populations—where daily life involves frequent, varied physical activity—show that many adults maintain mobility, strength, and joint health well into old age.

Think of it this way: if you taped your hand into a fist for thirty years, it would become stiff, painful, and unusable. You wouldn’t blame your age—you’d blame the tape. The same concept applies to the rest of your body. When your movement is restricted for years, problems naturally follow.

Small movement restrictions add up over time, and unless you actively counteract that process, things tend to get worse—not just because you’re older, but because of how you've moved (or not moved).

👉 For a deeper dive, watch this video: Why Your Knees Hurt As You Age

For a detailed example and explanation, watch this video: Why Your Knees Hurt As You Age