DB Wider Fit Shoes, which specialises in wider-fitting footwear, is warning over-60s to be mindful of their choice of footwear as falls among older adults continue to rise in the UK.
Around one in four ambulance call-outs for over-65s are linked to falls, and hospital admissions in that age group rose by more than 25% in the decade leading up to 2020.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, around 30% of people over 65 and 50% of people over 80 fall at least once every year. Falls are also the most common cause of injury-related deaths among people over 65 in the UK.
Charles Denton for DB Wider Fit Shoes said: “Falls can have many different causes, from balance issues to ageing, but footwear is often overlooked as part of the conversation.
“Poorly fitting shoes or footwear without proper support can affect stability and increase the risk of trips. Shoes that fit properly, with secure fastenings and good grip, can help people feel steadier and more confident on their feet, particularly those managing conditions such as arthritis or neuropathy.”
Ann, who is in her 70s, is encouraging others to think more carefully about their footwear after a fall left her in hospital and made her rethink what she was wearing on her feet.
Ann lives with Peripheral Neuropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Peripheral Neuropathy can reduce feeling in the feet, while arthritis affects joints and stability. Together, these conditions can increase the risk of losing balance.
After a fall from her previous shoes, which left her in the hospital, Ann is now wearing comfortable shoes, which are making a difference.
“Put those three conditions together, and it doesn’t do your feet any good,” she said. After discussing her situation with her podiatrist, who suggested she try a wider-fitting, more supportive shoe, Ann decided it was time to change her footwear.
Since changing her footwear, Ann says she noticed a difference almost immediately. She is back to doing the things she enjoys most, including spending time in her garden and taking her dog for walks.
The spokesperson added: “Ann’s experience highlights the importance of supportive, well-fitting footwear, particularly for people managing conditions that affect balance or stability as they get older.”
ENDS