We choose comfortable shoes for an elderly person

Safety is the basis

Balance and coordination become increasingly poorer with age. For this reason, falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in seniors. Many of them are very dangerous. They may involve serious hip or head injuries and require hospitalization. To minimize this risk, it is worth ensuring the safety of older people. 

One effective way is to buy appropriate footwear. Give up high heels, flip-flops and shoes with slippery soles. Shoes with laces may be equally dangerous. We tell you what else is worth paying attention to when buying comfortable shoes for seniors.

Properly fitted size

Comfortable shoes for an elderly person should, first of all, be properly fitted in size. Too large shoes may cause the foot to slip in the shoe. As a result, the senior may lose balance and fall. 

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

Also, don't forget that with age, the foot may change its size and shape. For this reason, even if you are convinced that you wear a specific shoe size, it is worth trying on shoes before purchasing them.

Choose the right sole and shoe lining

Choosing the right shoe sole can be quite a challenge. Choose shoes with soles made of non-slip materials. Rubber or caoutchouc will work great, for example.

A good solution is to purchase special anti-slip pads that stick under the sole of the shoe. However, make sure that the pads are waterproof. This way they won't come off the shoe even on rainy days.

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

However, the sole is not everything! The lining inside the shoe is equally important. If you suffer from rheumatological problems, choose warm, natural fur. Avoid synthetic materials that can promote the growth of bacteria and cause athlete's foot. 

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

Match the heel and toe of the shoe

Wearing high heels can not only cause foot deformities, but also negatively affect balance. For this reason, give up high heels and replace them with low pumps. Also avoid completely flat shoes, which may prove uncomfortable. 

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

In addition to the heel, pay special attention to the toe of the shoe. Avoid pointy shoes that narrow at the toe. This may cause not only a feeling of discomfort, but also deformation of the foot.

Choose comfort

Many seniors prefer shoes that are quick and easy to put on and take off. This shouldn't surprise anyone. Spine problems that occur in the prime of life can be very troublesome.

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

Home shoes 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.