A body of research has shown that people with arthritis who stay physically active may experience some significant health improvements, but recent findings stand in stark opposition to the lifestyles of many Americans who are managing the condition.

A study conducted by Northwestern showed that more than half of women and 40 percent of men received less than 10 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Federal guidelines suggest that people should be physically active about 20 minutes each day.

"We had assumed that people might be overstating physical activity in past self-reported data, but were surprised to find that the physical activity rates were much, much lower than what was previously reported," said Dorothy Dunlop, associate lead author of the study. "This study found that fewer than one in seven men and one in 12 women met those guidelines when we had this objective measure, using the accelerometer," she added.

It can be difficult to stay active with arthritis, but far from impossible. Senior living communities often sponsor programs and classes to help people get moving again and doctors can help custom-tailor a program that will fit an individual's needs.