Surprisingly, preventing falls can be
as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time. Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and
Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study
regarding safe footwear for seniors. Her
research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer
footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries.
The study involved 185 men and women
over the age of 55. With participants 65
or older, shoes were often to blame for falls. Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn
on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are
dangerous on wet surfaces.'' Of the
group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or
was too slippery. Her recommendation is
for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of
shoe they should wear.
When buying footwear, seniors should
select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support. A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a
good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support. Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over
the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls. Other things to keep in mind are to avoid
loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth
leather or plastic soles. A beveled heel
helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the
ground. Also shoes with laces hold the
shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping.
This
post is for informational purposes and should not be used in place of the
advice of your health care provider.
MorningStar at Arrowhead represents
the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value,
to invest.” We have built our foundation
on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to
serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To
experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us
to schedule a tour.
Sources:
nytimes.com/1998/02/24/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html
caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html
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