The Washington Post reports that every year, more than 700,000 Americans undergo knee replacement surgery. And researchers expect the procedure will only become more common as people strive for an active, pain-free life as they age.

People usually get a total knee replacement when they’re no longer able to move through their daily life without constant pain. But, how can you build healthy, strong knees today that power you through walks and workouts for decades?

“Motion is lotion,” said Andrew D. Pearle, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS. The best way to keep the joints healthy as you age is by bending your knees. The movement helps to circulate fluid around the joints, Dr. Pearle said. “The more you move it, the better,” he said.

Read the full article at washingtonpost.com.