It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as we can. However, there are other additional aspects to consider as well. Eating the right foods, doing regular exercise and getting health checks every five years are among the things we need to do, post 40, to ensure that we stay in good health. However, did you know that your choice of footwear can also have an impact on your health and quality of life as you age? In this article we look at how shoes can impact your health.
Changing Foot Morphology
You may know that ears never stop growing, but did you know that feet also change? Just as with our faces and other body parts, the skin on our feet loses its elasticity as we grow older and tissue becomes less tight, causing feet to become wider.
Loss of muscle mass and fatty tissue can also cause a lower pain tolerance, meaning that shoes that might once have been comfortable might now be causing you unnecessary pain.
Why Your Shoe Choice Can Affect Your Health
A study by the University of A Coruña in Spain showed that the wrong type of shoe can have far-reaching health consequences. The study, among people with an average age of 75, showed that wearing ill-fitting or unsuitable shoes could cause a lower quality of life in areas related to pain, foot function, general health, physical activity, social capacity and vitality, among other things.
This is because wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to foot bone deformities, bunions and flat feet, which in turn can lead to pain, infections, limited mobility, disturbances in balance and a risk of falls. It can also exacerbate existing problems such as arthritis or joint pain.
What Makes The Perfect Shoe?
When it comes to protecting your feet and your health, you need to make sure you choose the right shoe for your needs. Here are some tips on finding a good-fitting shoe:
- Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet will be at their largest.
- Ask the assistant to measure your feet each time you buy shoes. This will help to accommodate any changes in your foot shape.
- If the ball of your foot feels squashed, then you’ll need a wider size – try half a size up.
- Make sure the shoes are comfortable from the moment you try them on. Don’t gamble on ‘breaking them in’ once you get home.
- Look for a firm insole and midsole to provide you with the support you need.
- Choose shoes with a small heel height and broad heel to ensure support and keep your balance stable.
- Look for easy-fastening options if you have difficulty bending over.
So, when it comes to wearing shoes as you get older, it’s important to put your best foot forward. Choose shoes that fit well and make regular visits to a podiatrist to ensure your feet remain healthy and that any potential problems are spotted before they can take hold.
Do you agree with how shoes can impact your health?
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