For the changing needs of the
elderly, as well as to reduce the risk of dangerous falls, selecting the
appropriate footwear is critical. Falls are the leading cause of injury in the
elderly, resulting in over 800,000 hospitalizations, the majority of which are
due to head or hip injuries. Choosing the right shoe can be difficult, but
research and consultation can help you make an informed decision.
Elderly people have a tendency to
shuffle their feet when walking, which increases the risk of falling on its
own, but it's even higher if they're wearing the wrong shoes. High heels,
floppy slippers, and shoes with a slick sole are all bad choices for the
elderly. Shoes with laces can also be dangerous if they come undone.
Here are our top shoe
recommendations for seniors to avoid slipping and falling. And, when it comes
to laces, remember to say NO!
Men's & Women's New Balance 577
In the elderly shoe category, the
New Balance 577 is one of our favorites. This shoe has a soft Velcro closure,
good shock absorption, and is built to last.
2. Men's & Women's Propet Stability X
The Propet Stability X is another
one of our favorites. These shoes are extremely stylish and modern, and the
added grip in the rubber outsole helps to prevent slips and falls.
3. Women's Skechers Go Walk 2 Hypos
This lightweight Skechers slip-on
comes in a variety of colors and sizes for all-day comfort and style. For women
who prefer not to wear socks, an Ortholite anti-microbial sock liner is
included.
4.
Gil of Hush Puppies – Men's
The Hush Puppies Gil is a lightweight,
casual shoe with adjustable straps and shock-absorbing technology. These
leather sneakers feature a long-lasting ZeroG outsole, making long days on your
feet easier than ever.
The Propet Olivia is a leather
slip-on shoe with adjustable straps and a custom orthotic-replaceable removable
insole. This diabetic shoe is also Medicare-approved.
Comfort
and Fit
For a variety of reasons,
people of all ages wear shoes that don't fit properly, which can increase the
risk of falling. Shoes that don't fit properly can restrict the foot and make
it difficult to walk and balance. While it may be difficult to let go of old
shoes, they may become worn out and ill-fitting, and no longer meet the needs
of the elderly.
It's critical to choose shoes
that are comfortable to wear without being too loose or too tight. The right
fit can be achieved with laces or adjustable Velcro straps. If additional
insoles are used, make sure they don't obstruct the remaining space in the
shoe. A wide-width shoe may provide more room and comfort, particularly for
those who suffer from foot swelling.
Avoid buying a pair of shoes
that don't fit right now in the hopes of breaking them in later. They aren't
the right pair to buy if they aren't comfortable right away. Discomfort can
lead to changes in balance or gait, which can lead to falls, as well as
unnecessary pain and blisters. Take the time to find a shoe that you can
immediately stand and walk-in.
Sturdy
and comforting
The ideal pair of shoes for the
elderly should have a low heel to ensure maximum ground contact and stability
while walking. Heels that are higher than one inch off the ground may increase
the risk of tripping or twisting an ankle.
The shoe's material should be
flexible while still providing enough structure to keep its shape. To provide
support for the heel and ankle, a high back shoe is necessary. Shoes with
narrow soles or high heels should be avoided because they may not provide
enough stability for safe walking. To reduce the impact on joints, the soles
should also be shock absorbent.
Soles
with Anti-Slip Technology
The soles of shoes for the
elderly should have a good grip to prevent slipping while walking. In both wet
and dry conditions, an adequate sole must grip the ground. If the soles of your
shoes are no longer doing their job, it's time to replace them before you slip
and fall.
If wearing shoes inside the
house isn't an option, invest in a pair of non-slip socks that have a good grip
on the floor. No-slip socks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bombas is
one of them. PVC grips are used to prevent slipping and skidding on hard
surfaces. No-slip features are available from a variety of other brands as
well.
Shoes
with a Distinction
Getting professional
measurements and shopping according to proper sizing is one option for finding
the right shoe. Foot sizes can change due to changes in health or age, and you
might be surprised to learn that you need a completely different size than you
did previously.
Those with health issues may
require custom-made shoes according to their podiatrist's instructions. Some
people may need to wear orthotics in their shoes. These should be brought with
you when you go shoe shopping to ensure that your new pair will fit.
It can be difficult to choose
the right pair of shoes for an elderly relative, but it's worth it to improve
their safety and reduce their risk of falling. For added safety and peace of
mind, read about the best medical alert system for your loved one.
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