Barefoot shoes are shoes that are designed to help you walk as if you are barefoot while having some protection from the surface that you are walking on (stones, etc). The idea is that if you can feel the ground with your entire foot, you will be more stable and you will strengthen muscles in your foot and ankle by moving control from your shoe to you. It's the opposite of wearing a cushioned shoe with strong support, or alternatively, a shoe with a heel.
Barefoot shoes feel very strange when you first experience them. If you search "barefoot shoes" you will find a number of options. Here's one: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/size-guide. I have found it most comfortable to size up, to give me plenty of room for my toes to spread.
As you can imagine, it forces your feet to work a bit harder when you walk, which strengthens control and balance. You'll find these used by runners, too.
I'm glad to see a lot of great tips to prevent a serious situation. I also practice getting back UP from the floor in case I do fall. (And haven't broken anything. I don't want to end up lying there because I don't have the strength to rise). So I get up off the floor several times a day. Getting back up is not a pretty sight, but I can do it!
Last year I broke my kneecap falling over a lawnmower cord on the carport that was lying flat on the concrete. At the time I was told that as we age, we don't lift our feet as high when we walk - not noticeable since it happens gradually. To compensate, these days I'm stepping over things in what feels an exaggerated way. I also bought a battery mower.
Something that may be a poor-ish choice on my part: A few months ago I adopted a black cat (already had an older cat who had lost her companion). Pippa is gentle and friendly, but I keep not noticing her and she is actually a tripping hazard. It would probably be a good idea to turn on the lights earlier when the sun starts to set.
I have seen glow in the dark safety collars for cats online for sale. Useful and cute.
@surechamp ,The Barefoot shoes are a brand name for these shoes that are supposed to make it feel like you are walking barefoot. I’ve seen a couple of people wearing them. It sounds comfortable, but they’re not for me due to my need for arch support and substantial cushioning for my low fat pads.
I recall in PT years ago I had to stand in a ball for as long as possible. It was difficult imo. I was there for knee pain.
I totally get you with the cat problem! I lost my beloved 17-year-old last fall. In April I got a six month old. She is very active! I am too but I do watch her when she is doing useful things like falling over in front of me so I will pay attention to her! This morning she was doing gymnastics on the handlebars of my spin bike while chasing her tail. Good advice to turn on the lights to find out where the critters are! 😁
My body is late 60s but my mind is much younger so I have to "walk my age." Rule #1. LOOK DOWN WHEN WALKING. Chair exercises such as holding a chair back and doing squats and one leg standing coupled with toe touches concentrating on your hamstrings to stand up are quality strength movements. Throw in some calf raises as well. The stronger your legs are, the better they can react and keep one from falling. I have had to teach myself instead of just spinning on one foot to turn, I do small steps to turn. I call it my "old guy 3 point turn." Sure beats hitting the floor.
Love the "old guy 3 point turn"! I have found pivoting to turn around -- in the bathroom or kitchen-- the most likely to result in a fall. (Second is shuffling around on uneven ground outside.) I often spin on my right heel, but slower is better. Most important is paying attention all the time -- distraction leadeth to a fall. (I have asymetrical CIDP, with nerve damage causing to muscle atrophy in the right leg.) Thanks for your comments.
Barefoot shoes are shoes that are designed to help you walk as if you are barefoot while having some protection from the surface that you are walking on (stones, etc). The idea is that if you can feel the ground with your entire foot, you will be more stable and you will strengthen muscles in your foot and ankle by moving control from your shoe to you. It's the opposite of wearing a cushioned shoe with strong support, or alternatively, a shoe with a heel.
Barefoot shoes feel very strange when you first experience them. If you search "barefoot shoes" you will find a number of options. Here's one: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/size-guide. I have found it most comfortable to size up, to give me plenty of room for my toes to spread.
As you can imagine, it forces your feet to work a bit harder when you walk, which strengthens control and balance. You'll find these used by runners, too.
Sounds like this is something I would like to try. When I am in my home, I always take off my shoes at the door and walk around with just socks on. Most of the rooms have carpet so I do not have to worry about slipping. Also, I do Yoga and balance exercises. Thank you for the suggestion and have a great day.
Love the "old guy 3 point turn"! I have found pivoting to turn around -- in the bathroom or kitchen-- the most likely to result in a fall. (Second is shuffling around on uneven ground outside.) I often spin on my right heel, but slower is better. Most important is paying attention all the time -- distraction leadeth to a fall. (I have asymetrical CIDP, with nerve damage causing to muscle atrophy in the right leg.) Thanks for your comments.
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I walk in a warm swimming pool and can stand on one leg in the pool and also practice balancing. Works great to build strength and stability
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5 ReactionsBuoyancy in the pool makes walking a lot easier.
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2 ReactionsBarefoot shoes are shoes that are designed to help you walk as if you are barefoot while having some protection from the surface that you are walking on (stones, etc). The idea is that if you can feel the ground with your entire foot, you will be more stable and you will strengthen muscles in your foot and ankle by moving control from your shoe to you. It's the opposite of wearing a cushioned shoe with strong support, or alternatively, a shoe with a heel.
Barefoot shoes feel very strange when you first experience them. If you search "barefoot shoes" you will find a number of options. Here's one: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/size-guide. I have found it most comfortable to size up, to give me plenty of room for my toes to spread.
As you can imagine, it forces your feet to work a bit harder when you walk, which strengthens control and balance. You'll find these used by runners, too.
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5 ReactionsThanks so much for your reply & information on barefoot shoes👍
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1 Reactiongood for you. I think I will start doing that. I am 85 years old
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3 ReactionsI have seen glow in the dark safety collars for cats online for sale. Useful and cute.
@surechamp ,The Barefoot shoes are a brand name for these shoes that are supposed to make it feel like you are walking barefoot. I’ve seen a couple of people wearing them. It sounds comfortable, but they’re not for me due to my need for arch support and substantial cushioning for my low fat pads.
I recall in PT years ago I had to stand in a ball for as long as possible. It was difficult imo. I was there for knee pain.
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3 ReactionsDon’t get on ladders.
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5 ReactionsLove the "old guy 3 point turn"! I have found pivoting to turn around -- in the bathroom or kitchen-- the most likely to result in a fall. (Second is shuffling around on uneven ground outside.) I often spin on my right heel, but slower is better. Most important is paying attention all the time -- distraction leadeth to a fall. (I have asymetrical CIDP, with nerve damage causing to muscle atrophy in the right leg.) Thanks for your comments.
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2 ReactionsSounds like this is something I would like to try. When I am in my home, I always take off my shoes at the door and walk around with just socks on. Most of the rooms have carpet so I do not have to worry about slipping. Also, I do Yoga and balance exercises. Thank you for the suggestion and have a great day.
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2 ReactionsExcellent suggestions.