35% of the respondents report that they are not able to exercise comfortably and 3 in 10 say that they are not even able to get a full night of sleep due to physical pain. 23% say that walking up stairs can prove to be an almost impossible task, and 1 in 5 admit that they need help to get up off of the sofa. Everyday tasks like sitting on the floor, soaking in the tub, attending long meetings, reading, watching TV, and being away from home for an extended period of time are also hurdles for many of the respondents.
“It is staggering how many people feel unable to do everyday tasks such as climbing the stairs or even walking, due to the pain they are experiencing,” says Gareth Lucy, a spokesman for hygiene and health company Essity. “Our research revealed 18 different kinds of activities – some relatively stationary such as reading or watching TV – which can be difficult for some. We were keen to highlight these issues to help raise awareness and develop a level of understanding from those that might not realize what others are going through.”
The findings revealed that 44% of those with a condition such as back troubles, perimenopause, arthritis, diabetes, or irritable bowel syndrome, feel the effects of their condition on a daily basis, and the average sufferer reports that they lose up to three nights of sleep because of the condition every week.
Driving, eating, stairs, talking to others, riding a bike, and socializing are among some of the tasks that the respondents consider to be a real challenge. 56% of the respondents admit that they do not like to talk about their ailments/conditions, and a fifth of those who are able to work refuse to tell their employers or colleagues about their physical ailments/conditions.
86% of the respondents will often say that they are fine to others even when the opposite might be true. 45% say they don’t talk about their ailments/conditions because they just really do not want to think about it, 41% don’t want to be seen as being incapable, 38% don’t want to be treated differently, 34% don’t want to be thought of a being/getting old, and 32% simply don’t want to be judged.
“Everybody has a part to play,” Lucy adds. “Those struggling with painful or debilitating conditions should know that help is out there and they should feel confident enough to speak to a healthcare professional who can advise them on the right products and treatment.”
“And for those fortunate enough not to live with a condition like this, we need to work to ensure places of work are equitable and inclusive, where there is understanding and support for those that need it.”
There were 18 activities that were more common than others among those with physical conditions that were reported as being a struggle which were (listed in order from 1 to 18): exercising, sleeping, long journeys, sitting on the floor, walking up stairs, moving in general, getting up off the sofa, being away from home for long periods of time, attending long meetings, taking a bath, riding a bike, socializing, going to work, driving, talking to others, eating, watching TV, and reading.
