When choosing a pair of shoes for your elderly relative, first of all consider how comfortable and convenient these shoes or boots are. The shoes should not rub on the foot and slip. This aspect is worth paying special attention to, because a fall is one of the most common causes of injury among retirees.
A bad fall can lead to fractures, which, in turn, leads to months of rehabilitation therapy. Some of the most tragic are pelvic bone fractures and femoral neck fractures. In these cases, an awkward fall can be the end of an older person’s active and independent life.
Often, the elderly do not think about the comfort of shoes. They persistently wear out old worn-out shoes or buy a third-rate pair of shoes of dubious origin at the nearest market. Buying the right shoes will not only make life easier for your elderly relative, but will also prevent the development of certain illnesses and diseases.
How does the human foot change with age?
To understand what shoes to choose for an elderly relative, it is best to study what changes a person’s foot undergoes over the course of life. There are three layers of fat on the foot: at the heel, under the toes, and on the toe pads. Over the years, the fat layer thins. It can be said that by old age a person’s foot loses an important soft cushioning layer. That’s why the elderly walk, literally, “on bones”. But that’s not all. By the age of 55, the nerves and blood vessels in the feet may gradually atrophy, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. These factors must be taken into account and shoes must be selected so that they compensate for the defects of the foot acquired with age.
Requirements for footwear for the elderly
Elderly people are better suited for shoes with soft, flexible, springy soles. This will help cope with discomfort after long walks. Shoes should be easy to put on and take off. For this purpose, shoes with Velcro or zipper are well suited – these devices greatly facilitate the process of putting on. If the boots have a high cuff, make sure that it is equipped with an insert of elastic material, which can compensate for possible swelling. The right footwear for the elderly must combine comfort, high quality material, a stable sole and the right fit.
Important features of shoes for the elderly
When looking for shoes, pay attention to the following features:
Material
Choose shoes, the upper and inner layer of which is made of natural materials. Leather and suede products are practical, durable and at the same time have enough elasticity and softness. Alternative options are membrane and nubuck, as these materials will keep the leg of an elderly person from squeezing. For winter shoes, it is desirable to have natural fur, which will keep you warm even in the coldest winter.
Supinator
Before buying, be sure to look at the inside of the shoe and check the presence of a supinator. It is necessary to support and distribute the load of the foot evenly when walking. Another important function of the footbed is to support the shape and stability of the sole, it is very important if the foot of an elderly person is already deformed.
Types of foot supports:
- Transverse;
- Longitudinal;
- Combination;
In order to find out which type of supinator is right for you, it is better to consult with an orthopedist.
The sole
When choosing a sole material, you should consider its qualities: flexibility, durability, lightness and elasticity. The ideal choice would be polyurethane. This option does not slip, does not freeze, does not crack in the bends and reduces shock loads due to its structure. Even greater stability will have a model with the sole, a little bit protruding beyond the contour of the shoe.
Heel
Heel is an obligatory attribute of shoes for an elderly person, regardless of gender. It must be quite firm and slightly widen towards the bottom. Its height should be one to three centimeters. Another option – shoes on a wedge. Such shoes will appeal to elderly ladies who care about the beauty and elegance of the shoes.