退化性關節炎是人類老化過程中經常發生的慢性疾病。據統計，全臺灣年逾50歲的中老年人，每4人中即有3人罹患程度不等的退化性關節炎。因此，大部份的民眾都應該去學習如何改善病症所帶來的困擾。本文希望藉由探討相關文獻及研究結果，提供中老年患者運動處方與注意事項等相關訊息以茲參考。希冀強化患者接受水療運動等運動治療方式的信心，並藉由養成規律的運動習慣，進而達到健康樂活之人生目標。綜合相關研究結果發現，水療運動不僅可以幫助中老年退化性關節炎患者減緩疼痛、改善病症，同時亦可改善身心健康與維持晚年生活品質，故為適合患者所從事的復健方式之一。

Osteoarthritis is some unavoidable chronic disease during aging process. Three quarters of people aged over 50 in Taiwan are suffering from different level of osteoarthritis. The literature indicates that hydrotherapy can ease off the pain, improve mental and physical health, and sustain the quality of later life. Thus, hydrotherapy is a suitable rehabilitation for elderly patients. We expect patients could strengthen the faith of physical therapy and further form a habit of regular exercise via this study, and achieve the goal of living happily and healthily.