Having a good fitting pair of shoes can help to prevent falls in senior citizens. This is extremely important because there are over 27,000 reported deaths each year due to falls in the US alone. When you’re shopping for shoes for seniors, there are several helpful things to keep in mind. You want your loved one to stay safe, and these simple guidelines can help achieve this goal.
There are dozens of shoes designed for seniors available, and you want to make sure your choice has a good back. A good back will help with stability issues. It’s also important to purchase a shoe with a grooved or scored sole. This sole will give the shoe grip on a variety of surfaces and make seniors less likely to slip and fall.
The shoe’s heel is also another important consideration. You can buy a flat shoe with no heel, or choose a low, wide heel for added stability. It should also have cushioning for additional comfort while you walk. Laces or Velcro can ensure that your shoes fit snugly, and Velcro is good for people with arthritis.
Go shopping for your new shoes in the afternoon. This is when feet tend to swell, so your new shoes won’t be too tight. You’ll want to bring your own socks and any orthotics you wear, so you’re sure the shoes are comfortable. Also, one foot is slightly bigger, so always try on both shoes.
If you’re worried about the shoes molding to your feet, try a leather shoe. Leather stretches and conforms to your foot. A wider shoe is another good choice because it won’t pinch your toes when you wear it. Finally, you want a small amount of space between the end of the shoe and your toes. It shouldn’t be large enough to trip you, but you want enough room, so your feet don’t rub against it.
Your new shoes should have a larger opening, so it’s easier for you to slip them on and off. Some shoes even slide straight on, and this makes it easy to get up and go.
Now that you have a good idea what to look for in your new shoe, you have to know what to avoid. Generally, you don’t want to buy shoes with narrow or high heels. They can contribute to balance issues and make you more prone to falling.
It’s also important that your shoes don’t stretch out too much. If they do, this will take away from the support they give you. You want to avoid backless shoes as well because they won’t give you the support you need. The soles shouldn’t be flat, and they should provide a good grip when you walk.
For more details on how to buy the right pair of shoes for elderly people and seniors, check out these buying guides:
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition characterized by severe heel pain. It affects people of all ages but is common among seniors and the elderly too. Here are the best women’s snow boots for plantar fasciitis pain.
Foot problems and pain cause many seniors problems in their daily activities and care. But, wearing the right shoes can make all the difference. Here are the best orthopedic shoes for seniors to help with foot problems and pain.
It’s always a great idea to have an appropriate pair of socks that you can wear easily. In addition to being easy to put on, they should be comfortable too and also help prevent slips and falls.
Compression socks are primarily worn for support and comfort to the lower legs. They provide a gentle squeeze to your legs and feet as you move about. This encourages blood flow which reduces the chance of clots. Here are the best compression socks for the elderly.
Swollen feet can be extremely painful and wearing tight socks only makes the pain worse. Here are the best socks for elderly with swollen feet that are soft, stretchy and easier to put on.
Anti-slip socks like these have little rubberized spots on the bottoms of them to provide traction for seniors. Some people call them hospital socks because they are standard issue at most health care facilities. Here are the best anti-slip socks for the elderly to reduce the chance of a fall at home.
Unfortunately, chronic foot pain is a symptom of many medical conditions that affect seniors. From pain in the ankles, the heels, the ball of the foot, and painful swelling, you just want relief. Here are the best seniors socks for foot pain to help you fight the battle!
Sock helpers are assistive devices that make putting on socks easier for the elderly and disabled. These sock aids provide a frame that stretches the sock and allows the foot to slide in with less resistance.
Look for shower shoes that have lightweight materials, non-slip but flexible soles, fit snugly, and drain easily. Stay away from items that are made of fabric or foam, fit loosely, or are overly expensive.
Reaching your feet for proper nail care as you age can get difficult. As a result, foot care and nail care can suffer and lead to other problems. Here are the best toenail clippers for seniors that help you reach and are easier to use.
The best boots for the elderly are wide fitting boots with shock-absorbing soles. and little to no heel. They should also be easy to take on and off and adjust for swelling and pain.
Unfortunately, as we age, our ankles get weaker. Or, you might have ankle pain from one of several medical conditions. The right shoes can make all the difference. Here are the best shoes for weak or painful ankles.
The best shoes for swollen feet have velcro straps or other devices that allow you to adjust the size and fit of the shoe. Shoes with wide mouths and soft, stretch fabrics help also.
Healthy feet are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. They are also important to our mobility as we get older. Here are quick home foot care tips for seniors to keep their feet it tip, top shape!
The goal for most seniors is to find a comfortable, good looking sandal that is also safe and supportive. Often, the best ones have adjustable velcro straps, soles with good traction, stabilizing mid-soles and heel cups, protect the toes, and are easy to put on. Wearing the right shoes is an important part of an overall foot health plan.
For slippers to be safe for elderly people, they should fit right, accommodate swelling, and slip-resistant. Choose slippers for seniors and the elderly that have supportive rubber outsoles, soft comfortable insoles, support for the heel, and velcro closures. The best slippers for elderly women are the Acorn Spa Slippers. The best slippers for elderly men are the Foamtreads Doctor Boa Slippers.
Wearing the right shoes is an important “step” for preventing falls at home. You need a shoe that is both supportive and comfortable to wear. Here are the best shoes for elderly to prevent falls when walking.
Anyone that has flat feet, plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, or just tired and achy feet may benefit from orthotic inserts. If you’ve never heard of them, or if you’d like to know more about the benefits they can offer you, this buying guide can help.
