We choose comfortable shoes for an elderly person

Security is the key

Balance and coordination get worse with age. Therefore, falls are one of the most common causes of injury in seniors. Many of them are very dangerous. They can be associated with serious hip or head injuries and require hospitalization. To minimize this risk, it is important to ensure the safety of the elderly. 

One of the effective ways is to buy the right footwear. Give up high heels, flip-flops and shoes with slippery soles. Shoes with laces can be equally dangerous. We advise what else is worth paying attention to when buying comfortable shoes for seniors.

Properly fitted size

Comfortable shoes for an elderly person should, above all, be properly sized in terms of size. Too large shoes may contribute to the foot slipping in the shoe. As a result, the senior may lose his balance and fall. 

Also, avoid tight shoes that can cause sore feet, painful blisters and corns. Remember that the right shoe size is the key to success if you value the comfort, convenience and health of your feet.

Also, do not forget that with age, the foot may change its size and shape. For this reason, even if you are convinced that you are wearing a certain shoe size, it is worth trying on the shoes before buying them.

Choose the correct sole and shoe lining

Choosing the right shoe sole can be quite a challenge. Choose footwear with soles made of non-slip materials. For example, rubber or caoutchouc will be perfect.

A good solution will be to buy special anti-slip pads that stick under the sole of the shoe. However, make sure that the pads are waterproof. This way, they will not come off the shoe, even on rainy days.

An additional advantage may be the presence of a tread, which will provide you with better grip to the ground and prevent slipping.

However, the sole is not everything! Equally important is the lining inside the shoe. If you suffer from rheumatic problems, opt for warm, natural fur. Avoid synthetic materials that may encourage bacterial growth and cause athlete's foot. 

Also remember that the thicker the insole, the better the cushioning. A well-fitted insole will absorb the shock caused by the foot hitting the ground, dispersing it properly. As a result, the impact of the impact on your hips and back will be noticeably reduced. In order to properly adjust the insole to individual needs, it is best to consult an orthopedist or a podiatrist.

Match the heel and toe cap of the shoe

Wearing high heels can not only deform your feet, but also have a negative impact on your balance. For this reason, give up high heels and replace them with low heels. Also, avoid completely flat shoes that may prove uncomfortable. 

For older people, a low and wide heel is best. Thanks to the gentle lifting of the heel, your feet and legs will be relieved, and you will feel incomparable comfort. All you need to do when trying on shoes is to make sure that the weight of the body is evenly transferred to the entire foot, and not just to the heel or toes.

Apart from the heel, pay special attention to the toe of the shoe. Avoid pointed shoes that get tighter around the toes. This can cause discomfort and deformation of the foot as well.

Choose comfort

Many seniors prefer shoes that are quick and easy to put on and take off. This should come as no surprise to anyone. Back problems that accompany people in their prime can be very troublesome.

Give up lace-up shoes and opt for Velcro-fastened shoes. Not only will you be able to put them on without any problems, but you can also easily adjust them to the width of the foot. This is especially true for older people whose feet often tend to swell.

Home for seniors

Avoid walking around the house wearing only socks. The lack of a non-slip sole combined with slippery kitchen tiles can encourage falls and injuries. To prevent this from happening, it is worth getting comfortable slippers for walking around the house. 

Avoid models that do not provide heel support. Choose soft slippers made of natural materials. If at the stage of trying on you feel that putting on the selected pair of slippers is difficult for you, better choose another model.

As you can see, choosing the right pair of shoes is extremely important at any age. Seniors experience many ailments, such as bunions, calluses and corns. The pain and discomfort of these conditions can be easily alleviated by choosing the right footwear. Comfortable shoes for an elderly person will also help to maintain balance, thus reducing the risk of falls.