Does rheumatoid arthritis affect life expectancy?

Rheumatoid arthritis life expectancy 

If you or a loved one is living with rheumatoid arthritis, you may be wondering how this is likely to affect long-term health, and what life expectancy might be. It is important to understand how this condition can impact life expectancy, and the factors that could influence health outcomes in the future. Here, we are exploring the research on the projected life expectancy of rheumatoid arthritis, the factors affecting this, advice for family caregivers looking after someone with arthritis, and how professional home care could help. At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about rheumatoid arthritis in older adults, we can help.

How does rheumatoid arthritis affect life expectancy?  

Depending on how severe a person’s rheumatoid arthritis is, it can affect their life expectancy if not managed effectively. It will usually progress at a different rate for each person, with research finding that some people who already have the condition may not see symptoms emerge for at least a decade, while in around 40% of cases, some form of disability will develop within 10 years of being diagnosed. One older study from 2010 found the median survival rate for healthy adults was around 82 years, whereas the median survival rate for those with rheumatoid arthritis was around 77 years. Furthermore, a 2015 study found those with rheumatoid arthritis may have an estimated 54% higher risk of death compared with those who do not have the condition, however it is important to understand the reasons behind this, the many ways to manage symptoms and improve life expectancy, and the modern advancements in treatment that make the outlook for rheumatoid arthritis much more positive today.Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but treatments can provide strategies for managing and improving symptoms in order to improve both quality of life, and life expectancy. More recent data suggests that with earlier diagnosis and new treatment options, there is no reason a person newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis cannot have an equivalent lifespan to the general population. This means being aware of the risk factors involved, and taking steps to be as healthy as possible in order to minimise these risks.

What affects the health and longevity of people with rheumatoid arthritis?  

Having rheumatoid arthritis in itself does not automatically reduce life expectancy. In fact, there are a number of related factors affecting the health and longevity of people with this condition, including: 

Severity of disease

There are usually four stages of rheumatoid arthritis. In stage 1, tissue around the joints becomes inflamed, causing some pain and stiffness, but on an X-ray the person would not see any severe changes in their bones. In stage 2, inflammation begins to damage joint cartilage, leading to more stiffness and a decreased range of motion. Stage 3 typically brings more severe inflammation that damages bones, causing more intense symptoms and further decreased range of motion. In stage 4, inflammation will usually cause severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and could lead to loss of mobility.Disease severity plays a major role in how rheumatoid arthritis progresses, and aggressive, poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint damage and complications, so effective treatment is needed to control this.

Speed of diagnosis 

Early diagnosis and consistent medical care are crucial in extending both lifespan and quality of life for those with rheumatoid arthritis. When this condition begins at an early age, it has more time to progress and therefore could lead to more severe symptoms over time, and complications. For this reason, early detection and diagnosis can lead to a more positive outlook in the future, especially since the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (as described above) tend to involve less inflammation, making it easier to control with medication and other treatments.

Effectiveness of treatment

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, such as medications to suppress the immune system, can help to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the condition, which can improve long-term outcomes. Treatment options have advanced in recent years, meaning the outlook for those with this condition is much better than ever before. This can help to ensure those with rheumatoid arthritis live a healthy life with a similar life expectancy to other adults. Treatment for arthritis may include medications to minimise pain, swelling and inflammation, and to slow the progression of symptoms. These could be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Physical therapy may also help to improve joint function, strength and mobility. 

Management of comorbidities

Rheumatoid arthritis can make a person more likely to develop a number of comorbidities, such as diabetes, lung disease and some types of cancer, all of which can affect their life expectancy. Heart disease is another common comorbidity, and people with rheumatoid arthritis are thought to be twice as likely to develop this. A 2022 study suggested higher mortality figures in those with rheumatoid arthritis have strong links to cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular system issues. Arteries are more likely to show signs of plaque buildup, which is related to inflammation. For this reason, managing the comorbidities associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be a key factor in improving life expectancy. 

Lifestyle factors 

Lifestyle factors can play an important part in the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, and therefore can influence life expectancy in those with the condition. These factors include things like smoking and obesity, which can increase the risk of developing comorbidities. Research has found that smoking can significantly affect the long-term outcome of rheumatoid arthritis, as it causes further inflammation, can worsen the progression of the condition, and can increase risk of complications. Similarly, obesity can cause issues for those with rheumatoid arthritis since fatty tissues can release inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. For this reason, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and taking other steps to improve overall health could help to reduce flare-ups and ensure a person with rheumatoid arthritis can enjoy a long and healthy life similar to other individuals.

How can professional home care help those with rheumatoid arthritis? 

Older adults may need further support from a professional home carer if their family members are struggling to manage their symptoms and needs. Professional home care can have a hugely positive impact on those with rheumatoid arthritis by providing personalised support to manage the daily challenges that often arise with this condition. Caregivers can assist with things such as:

• Providing personal care like bathing, dressing and ensuring general hygiene if mobility is an issue for the person with arthritis 
• Carrying out household chores and housekeeping tasks like cooking, cleaning and shopping for groceries
• Managing medication to ensure the management of symptoms like pain and inflammation, which can help to improve quality of life and longevity 
• Assisting with moving and handling practices, which should always be adhered to in order to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved 
• Creating a supportive environment to ensure they feel safe and can do things as independently as possible while living in their own home
• Providing mobility support to improve their independence, such as helping the person to walk around use assistive devices
• Monitoring changes in mobility, energy, or mental health, and flagging any issues early by liaising with family or health professionals to ensure timely intervention
• Providing live-in support if more help is needed day-to-day 
• Providing general companionship and emotional support so they can always talk about how they feel

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are always fluctuating and difficult to predict, so as well as being physically demanding, they can also be emotionally exhausting. Home Instead Care Professionals can provide continuity and reassurance for those managing this, and can become a calm, steady presence when your loved one is dealing with the challenges and uncertainty of their condition.If you feel you or a loved one could benefit from support from a home care professional to help with arthritis care, you can get in touch with your local Home Instead office to learn more, or read our guide on how to choose and arrange home care services for everything you need to know about organising this.Our Care Professionals are the best of the best, and highly trained to deliver the services you need. No matter what type of home care you are looking for, we can provide a tailored service that suits you or your loved one.We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.