Taking a Step Toward a Pain-Free Life With the Proper Shoes
Life can be rough. This doesn’t change, even as we get older. Family relationships can be complicated, financial struggles can be burdensome, and even otherwise simple choices like when and where to go to dinner can create major headaches. Any opportunity to make life a little easier and stress-free is probably a welcomed gift.
The Right Shoes Might Be the Answer To Less Pain for the 50+
You know the value of money, and how hard you’ve had to work all of your life to get the things you have. Chances are, you may have been wearing the same shoes for the last few years because they’re still in “good condition.” But those very shoes could be the cause of many of your aches and pains, as you get older.
Wearing the proper types of shoes can:
- Improve back and joint health
- Provide added stability while walking
- Prevent falls
- Improve the overall health of your feet
Don’t hang on to that old pair of walking shoes any longer than you have to. It’s time to slip into something more comfortable.
Think Design and Practicality When Searching For the Perfect Shoe
Shoe Size Matters: You should have your foot measured by a professional fitter one to two times a year. Studies have shown that 72 percent of seniors, with an average age of 82, wear improperly fitting shoes. This is bad news for our ageing population because the wrong-sized shoes could lead to a greater chance of falls (which can result in broken bones) increased foot pain, and ulcerations on the feet. And, if your feet hurt too badly when you move, you probably won’t do it as often. And, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to heart disease, obesity, and other chronic medical conditions. Make sure your shoes are the right size!
Comfort:
Don’t get too comfortable in your shoes. Research shows that shoes that are too padded or cushioned are actually bad for your feet. Too much cushioning can actually cause you to walk off-balance and make you unstable.
Material can make all the difference:
The type of shoes you wear is way place where you don’t want to sacrifice quality for a good bargain. A well-made shoe can make a world of difference to your walking experience. Shoes constructed on natural materials (i.e. leather or canvas) are more flexible for shrinking or expanding feet ¾ which can be common for diabetics ¾ and are more breathable, too. This is very important because breathability can reduce foot irritations, blisters, and other foot ailments. Shoe soles made with rubber soles are great because they can prevent slipping. Try to avoid smooth, molded soles on shoes, as these can increase the chance of falls when your dexterity may already be diminished.
Fastenings: Don’t Let Your Shoes Get You All Tied Up:
Be sure to find shoes that fit you snuggly. Slip-on-shoes are likely to cause you many problems while walking. Look for shoes with laces or Velcro (if you have limited dexterity with your hands) that can be adjusted to fit your foot with various degrees of tightness based on the type of socks you are wearing, or the size of your foot.
Practical Yet Stylish:
When you consider seasonal shoes, check out an orthotics shoe store that specializes is various styles and types of shoes for seniors. You may be surprised at the wide selection of seasonal styles available that are still fashionable, yet practical and safe for your changing needs.
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” -Marilyn Monroe
What will you be able to conquer with the right pair of shoes on your feet? A life with newfound freedom awaits.
About The Author
Beth Wallace is a Safety Specialist for Canadian Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co. She visits seniors at their homes and shows them how they can make their homes safer. Her goal is to make sure they have a better quality of life and to see that their wishes to stay in the home they love for the rest of their lives are granted.
About Us
Safe-Step Walk In Tub Company is committed to empowering North America’s senior citizens, as well as those individually suffering from the effects of disability and mobility impairment. For those who seek a therapeutic, high-quality bathing experience, we offer domestically produced walk-in bathtubs and walk-in showers tailored to their specific needs.