DB Wider Fit Shoes, a company focused on providing footwear for those requiring a wider fit, is raising the alarm for people over 60 about the potential dangers of wearing ill-suited shoes, as the number of falls among older people in the UK continues to increase.
Statistics reveal that falls are responsible for approximately one in four ambulance call-outs where the patient is over 65, and the rate of hospital admissions amongst this group surged by more than 25% over the decade ending in 2020.
According to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, around a third of adults over 65 and as many as half of those over 80 will fall at least once in any given year. Falls are also recorded as the most frequent cause of injury-related death among people aged 65 and over 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,” he said.
A woman named Ann, who is in her 70s, is now urging fellow older adults to give greater thought to their choice of shoes after sustaining a fall serious enough to require hospital treatment, an experience that caused her to take a fresh look at her footwear.
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.”