Aging Affects Feet: Care Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Winnipeg Senior Health  |  April 12, 2021

What Every Senior in Winnipeg, MB Needs to Know About How How Aging Affects Feet   

Aging affects feet, and this we know. Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” From sunup to sundown, we rely on our feet to get us wherever we need to go. Feet are the unsung heroes of the human body, but with age-related changes, and wear and tear,  a lifetime spent on our feet takes a toll.

How Aging Affects Feet:

The American Podiatric Association estimates that the average person will have walked 75,000 miles by the time they reach 50 years of age.

For some seniors, being able to walk is a blessing in and of itself. So, what exactly changes with our feet as we get older?

How Aging Affects Feet:

#1. Changes in Collagen Production

To start with, there’s a decrease in collagen production which causes the natural cushioning of the feet to diminish. Without this padding, the feet lose their ability to absorb shocks, often leading to severe soreness and pain when walking.

#2. Blood Circulation

Blood circulation can also begin to slow as we age, especially for those dealing with diabetes, vein disease, or other conditions. Proper circulation is crucial in keeping the human body healthy, and when the feet don’t get the blood supply they need, several problems can arise – severe swelling being chief among them.

#3. Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly in the big toe or top of the foot, can lead to stiffness, dull aches, and decreased range of motion.

While all of these changes are certainly common, seniors should not assume that foot pain is to be simply tolerated. Seniors can take steps to care for their feet, reduce their risk of the aforementioned problems, and maintain their independence. With these tips, seniors can embrace Thoreau’s words and enjoy all that the day has to offer.

Related Article: Living with Arthritis

Aging Affects Feet: Care Tips for Seniors

#1. Footwear

Invest in proper footwear that conforms to the foot (not the other way around). Comfort is certainly key, but flexibility is also important. It’s highly recommended that seniors buy shoes that have a half-inch gap between the tip and the longest toe.

#2. Walk

Take regular walks, paying particular attention to proper posture (head erect, back straight, and arms swinging).

#3. Stay on Top of Foot Health

Have your feet checked frequently by a podiatrist, especially if diagnosed with diabetes.

#4. Cleanliness

Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water, especially between the toes. It’s also imperative that they are dried thoroughly to help prevent fungal infections.

#5. Moisturize

Use lotion after washing/drying to reduce the risk of the skin becoming dry and cracked.

#6. Protect Your Feet

Avoid walking while barefoot, to help avoid cuts and scrapes.

#7. Pedicures

Ensure proper toenail maintenance by cutting across the nail and avoiding trimming the corners.

#8. Daily Exercise

Promote proper circulation by stretching daily, keeping the feet propped up, and wiggling toes after sitting for long periods.

Aging Affects Feet: PROTip for Pain

For any acute foot pain, apply the RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Seniors should get off their feet, put ice on the injury for 20 minutes every hour, wrap it with a bandage, and keep the foot above the knee.

How Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

It’s easy to take our feet for granted and how aging can affect them. There is no denying that feet play an essential role in maintaining our overall independence. Comfort Keepers^® caregivers help clients care for their feet by reinforcing the best practices listed above. And if walking is difficult, we can provide mobility assistance as well as transportation to and from places around town.

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg Offers a Wide Range of Private Home Senior Care Services

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® professional caregivers provide services to ensure safety, health, and happiness without the stress of moving to an assisted living or rehabilitation facility. Individually tailored care plans account for living arrangements, medical issues, physical restrictions, personalities, expectations, and more.

Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach Enables Top-Notch Homecare

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Most Trusted Name in Senior Care in Winnipeg

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Personal Care for Seniors

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

References

Prevention. “7 Weird Things That Happen To Your Feet As You Get Older,” by Cindy Kuzma. Web. 2018.

Emory Healthcare. “Advancing Your Health Blog: Foot Care for Seniors: 10 Important Tips.” Web. 2017.

Philips Lifeline. “The Importance of Foot Care for Senior Citizens.” Web. 2014.

Family Foot & Ankle Center. “Senior Foot Care Tips” by Dr. Cynthia Miller. Web. 2018.

Healing Feet. “5 Changes That Happen to the Feet With Age” by Jenn F. Web. 2015.

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