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 intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with
any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique
vision to senior living with a
mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of
honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to
serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents.
Contact us to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional community.
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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