Category: Announcements

When we talk fall prevention, it all starts with the right footwear. We have talked about it in our other blog posts, but there is a reason – falls are the leading cause of injuries to the elderly, causing 800,000+ hospitalizations. Choosing the right shoe may seem like a challenge, but we have found the top 5 shoes recommended by podiatrists for seniors to stay safe when stepping out.

If you have trouble lifting your feet to take longer steps or strides, shuffling your feet may increase the risk of falling. This risk increases exponentially if you are wearing the wrong footwear. High heels, floppy slippers, and slick-soled shoes are among the worst choices for the elderly. Laced shoes may also pose a hazard when they become untied, which is why some of the top recommendations are slip-on, or have easy to use velcro fasteners that hold tight all day long.

In no particular order, here are some of the most recommended options from podiatrists and senior fitness experts.

• Orthofeet Joelle Women’s Walking Shoe – Women’s

These Velcro tennis shoes for elderly women feature a slip-resistant rubber sole and a flexible fabric upper for a relaxed fit. The toe box is both wide and deep, and there is good arch support. The soft, seamless lining reduces friction pain and enhances comfort. (https://www.orthofeet.com/products/joelle-black-stretchable)

• Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker V Strap – Men’s

The Addiction Walker’s cushioned collar and soft, breathable lining mean there should be no additional pressure on your pain points. These supportive walking shoes feature a non-slip rubber sole that has plenty of grooves to help provide traction and very good shock absorption to protect your joints. (https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/addiction-walker-v-strap-2-mens-walking-shoe/110320.html)

• New Balance 577 – Men’s & Women’s

Fitness walkers and walking workers alike will love the all-day comfort and support of the New Balance MW577V for men. ABZORB cushioning technology in the heel absorbs shock, while a PU midsole and rubber outsole provide extra cushioning, stability, and traction. Leather upper lends a classic feel to the 577 while adjustable hook and loop closures provide a custom fit. (https://www.newbalance.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-NBUS-Site/en_US/Product-Show?pid=MW577&redirectRule=oldMaster&)

• Propet Stability X – Men’s & Women’s

The Stability X is another favorite that offers a bit more style while staying functional and easy to put on and wear. With a mesh upper with brushed-nylon lining, speed lacing closure with padded collar and tongue and a PU insole with gel heel pad and cushioning ridges. They also offer an arch-supporting EVA midsole with rubber outsole for durable wear and traction. (propetusa.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=2D3BDA9035D24D7B835EE0E9263DF967)

• Skechers Go Walk 4 – Men’s

Among the best walking shoes for elderly men, the Go Walk 4 features a rubber sole that is nicely grooved and provides excellent traction. These lightweight slip-on shoes have a flexible mesh upper as well as a highly supportive midsole and an odor-controlled insole. They are comfortable to walk in and provide very good shock absorption. (https://www.skechers.com/collections/mens/gowalk/)

• Fit & Comfort

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Many seniors already have a solid workout routine, or things they do to try to stay active. While staying active can have some costs associated, there are some things you can do to stay active for little or no cost. If you do have a budget for fitness equipment, you want to select things that are efficient, enjoyable, and safe for seniors.

Fitness Basics

This will speak to some $0 cost exercise options that you could start doing with no investment. We would recommend speaking with your doctor before performing any and all activity, so be sure to get advice from the professionals that know your capability and your medical records.

Walking

This seems so typical to start, but when it comes to low impact exercise, walking is the most important exercise a senior can apply to their daily activity. Walking is how you get around, so if this becomes difficult for you, your entire life will change. Walking is #1 for a reason. If your doctor approves, do it, and do it often.

Light Lifting

You don’t need iron “weights” to keep your muscles active, everything in your home has a “weight” associated to it. Anything with a handle can become a dumbbell or curling device. Shopping bags with handles, carrying a few books can give you just the right resistance to do some basic arm exercises. Again, speak with your doctor about what works best for you in your situation.

Leg Lifts

If you have a kitchen counter, you can safely do leg lifts, leaning back on your counters, you can brace yourself and lift your legs, one at a time, and keep circulation up before taking a walk. You can also perform a lighter leg lift while sitting on a chair. Speak with your doctor about what level of activity is right for you.

Fitness Equipment (for seniors)

Technology has given us some great options for senior-friendly exercise machines that are sure to get the heart pumping, increase flexibility, and overall improve physical endurance.

Elliptical

The elliptical allows seniors who are able to stand for long periods of time a chance to torch some calories, improve balance, and endurance. The elliptical is a hybrid between cross-country skiing and walking but without the additional impact. The included arm levers give seniors a security feature to hold on to while also adding an extra muscle burn.

Stability Ball

The stability ball can help increase senior’s overall physical fitness in many ways.Core strength is crucial for standing, balancing, and posture. Simply sitting on a stability ball is a terrific activity to strengthen senior’s core muscles! Several other exercises can be done safely with the ball, including stretches to improve flexibility.

Wrist Weights

If a senior would like to add a bit more weight to challenge themselves while they are walking, they can do so by using wrist weights. These weights can either be attached to their wrists or held in their hands, if this is preferred. These weights are very light, such as 1-3 pounds, so they add enough weight to make things more challenging, but not too much so that it becomes stressful on their wrists. 

Recumbent Exercise Bike 

Cycling has been a source of healthy cardio workouts for people for centuries, and recumbent bikes are an ideal way to cycle in comfort. Seniors can easily get on and off of exercise bikes, as well as customize speed. As a low-impact activity, the risk of injury is slim and it’s great for seniors who suffer from a variety of joint or bone issues. 

Yoga

Yoga is a great activity for seniors. This series of low-impact exercises will have you on their feet, knees, or lying on the ground. You will need to invest in a Yoga mat to keep the comfort levels up. They can do double duty for any stretching exercises like pilates or yoga. These are great exercise options for seniors because they help to strengthen their core and improve their balance, thus helping them remain safer not only when they are exercising, but also when they are doing everyday activities. 

If you are a senior looking to start exercising more, our Care Watch would provide peace of mind and give you added beneficial features like the ability to perform a vitals test before a run, and pedometer to track your distance. Call us now to learn more about the Care Watch: Call 1-800-716-1433

Moving into a senior living community can be an emotional subject. This is especially true when you are considering making the move yourself or helping a parent or loved one shop around for their new home.

There are so many options these days, it becomes challenging figuring out where to start, and what really matters most – location, daily activities, suite size and the thing most folks care most about, pricing and value. It’s best to stay informed in order to make the decision that best meets you or your family’s needs.


Research these days typically starts online. Be sure to get answers for these questions and make an informed decision.

• Will they customize a care or service plan for you?
• Are they willing to adjust this plan over time to accommodate each member as they age?
• Does the facility provide services to address residents’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?
• Are they engaging loved ones, updating them when residents experience changes, physical or otherwise?
• If they can’t provide a specific service, what can they do to provide it (affiliate partners, outsourcing, etc.)?
• How is the food, and what dining options are available?
• What activities are offered, both within and outside of the community?
• When you do your walk through, talk to residents – are they happy, and do they seem to be well cared for?
• Is the staff engaged in conversations or participating in activities?
• What are their visitor restrictions and does the community make it easy for residents to host family and friends?
• Most importantly, is it comfortable? Does it feel like (it could be) “home”?

Everyone involved in the decision making process should communicate everything they have consumed through research and visits, especially the prospective resident themselves. The best way to see if a community feels like home is to visit in person. Remember, you’re not just shopping, you’re choosing a home for your loved one.

If you or a loved one is moving into a senior living space, or even if they opt to stay at home for a few more years, MedGuard Alert can provide them peace of mind with our free medical alert systems. Call us now to learn more about our FREE medical pendant service with plans starting at just $1 a day! CALL TODAY! 1-800-716-1433