A large number of falls in the elderly are caused because of slipping. Footwear plays a major role here. It contributes the most to such falls and slips. To avoid falling, you need to choose your footwear carefully. It should help you create more friction for your feet to stick to the ground and not slip.
Also, most of the time elderly people have swollen feet. So, as a concerned family member or a caregiver, you need to buy them the shoes for their swollen feet. Which is also comfortable, and they do not need to bend to wear them. And it should be wide enough for their swollen feet.
Here are 6 things to look for when purchasing footwear for elderly people.
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Slip Resistance:
Slip resistance is one of the major factors in preventing falls and thus plays a crucial role in footwear selection. Footwear with no grip does not create enough friction to hold your feet still on the ground making it more prone to falling. Immobile patients who are bound to a wheelchair have to take care of this factor. As at some point, they need to be transferred where their feet are in contact with the ground.
Socks are one of the best wearables with grippy bottoms. Especially for the ones using the wheelchair. Keeping their feet grounded to the floor.
Soles that are slip-resistant are ideal for mobile patients. It helps secure falls and slips. It is recommended for both indoors and outdoors. Low heels, slip-resistant soles, and wider frames ensure better balance and comfort, reducing the risk of falling.
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Width:
Low-heel footwear with a wider frame and extra depth is more adaptable for arthritis patients. Athletic and canvas shoes or sneakers are an ideal fit in such scenarios. These have the lowest risk of fall compared to other footwear. Wider soles help lessen the swelling and edema. Diabetic footwear are best for diabetic and toes deformity patients. An expandable width helps the feet to fit properly giving larger spaces to your toe fingers to breathe and helps maintain your feet in a good condition. Extra wide shoes for swollen feet seem to be the best solution for daily use.
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Material:
People always choose comfort, especially when it comes to the footwear that you need to wear every day. Cushion type material mixed with other material like rubber is extra comfy and the best fit for sensitive feet. It is the best fit for indoor wear.
Other material used these days is neoprene. It takes the shape of your feet by moulding and bending to your feet’s curves and arches. It is an ideal fit for patients with toe deformities or bunions.
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No Bending:
Easy touch and faster to wear are important features to consider while purchasing shoes for the elderly. The footwear should not have any shoelaces. It helps arthritic patients to fasten the process and be independent.
Easy touch is more adaptive for elderly people because these types of footwear adjust easily. Velcro is the most suitable material for such footwear. Sore legs and swelling should not stop them from wearing their shoes. This kind of footwear adjusts to the swelled feet as well. Also, zipper shoes help the elderly to take on and off their shoes easily.
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Large Openings:
Large size is also an issue that creates foot problems. Large openings help fit the footwear better, thereby, maintaining their balance and reducing slips. It helps reduce foot irritation as well. Especially, for a diabetic patient who can only have limited hand moments.
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Low Heel and Foot Support:
People with heavy feet always face the challenge of feeling unsteady on their feet, which is also reduced.
Low heel helps to balance the body better while foot support helps the elderly to walk better. It eliminates the rocky movement to fall backwards. Also, it shortens the stance time making it possible for the elderly to move faster.
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Consistency:
Seniors should have adaptive footwear for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Their footwear should be slip-resistance, should have a good grip, be easy and faster to use without bending and should be comfortable. It should be extra wide shoes for swollen feet and safe as well. Elderly people like to keep their footwear consistent. They will choose the most comfortable and least to put effort shoes as their permanent pair of footwear.
Conclusion:
You need to wear the correct size of shoes. Ill-fitting or wrong-sized shoes narrow the feet causing ulceration and pain to your feet.
The choice of footwear might be dictated by comfort. So, you need to choose the right fit shoes for swollen feet. It should be slip-resistant and comfortable. It should be easy to wear and doesn’t require bending or using fingers to tie up the laces. It would be best if it has a large opening and foot support with low heels. Also, the material used should not be hard and easy to bend and mold to the shape of their feet.
