Shoes are the most pertinent piece of attire you can select as part of your everyday outfit. Not only do they protect your feet from the elements, but they can have profound effects on other elements of your body such as your posture. Wearing the right shoes can also do much to reduce feet pains or discomforts whilst you walk. For instance, you probably wouldn’t want to wear a pair of flip-flops when you go for a jog, and you definitely wouldn’t want to wear a pair of wellington boots whilst you’re on a hike.
The shoes you purchase need to fit your lifestyle, but they also need to keep you safe. Whilst most shoes offer some grip, some are also specially designed to offer extra grip in certain situations. Anti-slip shoes for seniors are specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of falls thanks to certain features that promote balance and encourage a good grip on the ground.
Why Are Anti-Slip Shoes Useful?
As you age, you become more prone to falls and fall-related injuries. Falls are scary and can sometimes result in permanent injuries. There are many reasons why we become more prone to falls as we age, but the main ones are a decrease in muscle strength and an impaired sense of balance. Both issues are a natural part of aging and are experienced by many, so it is essential that we prepare in advance to reduce the likelihood of a fall happening. Anti-slip shoes are one such solution that can help to prevent falls.
Anti-slip shoes work by providing a strong grip on many different surfaces, whilst also cushioning the foot and offering support arches to prevent any feet pains. That said, for anti-slip shoes to work properly they must fit properly. Here are some tips on selecting the best anti-slip shoes for seniors.
- Wear Socks While Fitting
A common mistake while buying shoes is to go in slippers or sandals. Whilst it may feel easier to slip in and out of slippers to try on a couple of different shoes, you are doing yourself a disservice. Socks add extra padding and affect how a shoe fit. Wear the most common sock you own whilst doing your fitting for the most accurate representation.
- 1-2-3 Test
Try the 1-2-3 test. It works like this:
- Step 1: Press against both sides of the heel area and check whether it maintains its shape.
- Step 2: Bend the shoe at the toe end, make sure it’s flexible and your toes fit snugly with only a little gap.
- Step 3: Try twisting your shoes. There should be no bending in the middle.
- Walk Around
Simply put, give your shoes a whirl. Walk up and down the store aisle. Good shoes rarely need to be broken in, so if it doesn’t feel comfortable then, then it probably isn’t right for you.
Why Choose Discovery Commons Cypress Point?
At Discovery Commons Cypress Point By Discovery Senior Living we design out apartments with our resident’s safety in mind. At our Senior Assisted Living Community, residents can enjoy our resort-style facilities and exclusive senior lifestyle programs, which include access to specially designed amenities such as age-appropriate gyms and lifestyle services. Contact us here to schedule a tour, or find out more about whether Discovery Commons Cypress Point is right for you!