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Shoes and Foot Care

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.
Shoe Safety Considerations
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.
Shoe Buying Tips
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.
Things to Avoid
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.
Senior Shoe Buying Guides
For more details on how to buy the right pair of shoes for elderly people and seniors, check out these buying guides:

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The Importance of Foot Care in the Elderly [Plus Tips For Keeping Feet Healthy]

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Best Shoes for Elderly to Prevent Falls and Promote Safer Walking

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The Best Shoes For Elderly With Balance Problems

One of the most common causes of falls among seniors and the elderly is a sudden loss of balance. Wearing the right shoes, though, can help older adults with balance problems. Here are my recommended shoes to give you more stable footing!

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Best Boots For The Elderly: Safer Walking in Snow and Ice

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Easy Slip-On Shoes for the Elderly: No Ties or Straps!

Being able to put on your own shoes safely greatly affects your independence. Many seniors have balance and weakness issues that prevent them from doing this simple task safely. Here are 7 recommended shoes that are easy for older adults to slip on – no help needed!

Tags Shoes for Seniors
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7 Best Socks For Elderly With Swollen Feet (Soft, Stretchy, Easy to Wear)

Socks tend to become tighter as feet swell up. So, it’s important to seek out socks that can apply pressure to the feet and ankles without cutting off circulation. Socks made from stretchy, breathable materials are the best option for puffy feet. Here are my favorites.

Tags Socks for Seniors, Swollen Feet & Edema
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9 Easy To Put On Socks for the Elderly

If you deal with swollen feet or have difficulty putting on socks, these socks have soft, stretchy openings that make them easy to put on by helping your feet and calves slide right in. They are also non-binding and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Tags Socks for Seniors, Swollen Feet & Edema
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Best Anti-Slip Socks For The Elderly (Reduce Falls at Home)

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.

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7 Best Hook and Loop (aka Velcro) Shoes for the Elderly

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6 Best Running Shoes for Older Adults: Comfortable, Stable, & Supportive

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Choosing the Best Non-Slip Slippers for Elderly Seniors (Safe AND Comfortable!)

For slippers to be safer for elderly people, they should fit right, accommodate swelling, support the heels, and have a slip-resistant sole. Here are my recommended slippers for seniors and the elderly that have these safety features… and look good too!

Tags Safe Slippers for Seniors
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© Copyright text 2017-2022 by Graying With Grace, LLC. Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice. I am not a medical professional and no information on Graying With Grace should be taken over the advice of a medical professional. This blog is for informational purposes only and posts are based on my personal opinions. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. “Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs)® have supplemented their individual professional licenses, credentials, and education with knowledge about aging and working with older adults. It is recommended that you verify the validity of any professional’s credentials with whom you conduct business. Be sure you completely understand what those licenses, credentials, and education signify. The CSA certification alone does not imply expertise in financial, health, or social matters. For more details visit: www.csa.us”