Arthritis is a debilitating condition that can affect people at any age. According to the Fit for Work Survey conducted by The Arthritis Society, one in three respondents reported that they stopped working because of their arthritis.
The survey, which polled 1,057 Canadians living with arthritis, found that nearly 60% of those individuals who stopped working because of their arthritis were between the ages of 18 and 54.
“Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Canada, and its impact on the Canadian economy has been estimated at more than $33 billion annually,” says Janet Yale, president and CEO of The Arthritis Society. “Our goal is to ensure that Canadians living with arthritis have access to timely care and proper treatment in order to reach their full potential in the workplace.”
Along with dealing with the physical pain of the disease, those who suffer from arthritis also report higher levels of emotional and financial stress. Of respondents to the survey, 70% said they suffer from work-related anxiety. Their top worries include the ability to continue to earn a satisfactory income, not being able to handle work responsibilities and being able to manage their symptoms sufficiently to go to work.
Of note for group benefits plan sponsors is the fact that 24% of respondents were unable to access prescription medications, and 30% were unable to access physiotherapists and occupational therapists, primarily due to cost.