Can't believe I read your whole page about floorings that are easy on the joints.

My favorite flooring by far is tile, followed by bamboo.

But area rugs make sense: If an old person is to stand or walk 70% of the day near the kitchen counters, or in the hall going to the washroom or bedroom, then area rugs save the day. I dislike all carpets including area rugs because they are like a big pair of dirty socks from people walking bare footed on them, and all the rest of filth that falls on them over the years between washings or that can't be totally removed by washing (I use an easily available at pet shops black light flashlight in the dark - like Crime Scene Investigation - to show the spots that were hit with urine/other body fluids - it's disgusting to see what remains in carpets), but when it comes to old people with arthritis, it's a different story.