Smart Senior

Shoes for Super Women of Any Age

Shoes for Super Woman

 

Clogs and sandals are all well and good if foot comfort is a priority, but maybe pink clogs just don’t do it for you. If high heels are not only a fashion statement but part of your “power woman” image, what are you going to do?

 

Christina Brinkley, writing for The Wall Street Journal (Thursday, April 10, 2008) touches on the subject of comfort and the power heel. A small but increasingly popular number of shoe companies have been busy trying to combine height and comfort. By the time you reach 40, 50, 60, or beyond, the thought of wearing shoes that put extreme pressure on the ball of your foot is painful just to think about.

 

Help is on the way. The top contender for comfort and style is Taryn Rose. If you really value comfort you won’t blanch quite as quickly when you see the $495 price tag. Remember that you are paying over $100 for athletic shoes today so it might not be a bad idea to think about one pair of really good shoes. They were tested for both style and comfort and the model pictured actually looks like a shoe that will never go out of style.

 

Taryn Rose isn’t the only company out there and the author foot tested several other brands that she found quite acceptable. Stuart Weitzman heels log in at $275 and get top marks for style. Cole Haan’s has a $275 Nike Air but watch the pointy toes (author did mention that they made her toes numb). Naturalizer, Aerosoles and Ecco brands feature shoes that blend style and comfort at a more affordable price.

 

The good news is that we are going to see a lot more of this kind of thing, so if you can’t give up your high heels, help is on the way.

 

 

Space Saving Shoe Storage

Space Saving Shoe Storage

 

I have a very modest selection of shoes, but even with my new space saving closet organization system my shoes seem to spill out all over the place.

 

Arthritis Today (May/June 2008) featured the perfect solution and boy do I want one of these! It is a shoe wheel (okay, it looks like a slotted hamster wheel) but it stores up to 30 pairs of shoes. A spin of the wheel brings the shoes to you and each slot adjusts to the height of the shoe. The cost is $65 and would be the perfect Mother’s Day (or any other day) gift (www.rakkudesigns.com).

Seniors and their Feet

 

Woman love shoes! Women of all ages are tempted to buy for style rather than comfort, even though we know that when your feet hurt you hurt all over. Painful feet are no picnic. Flimsy shoes lead to sore feet and can contribute to knee and back problems as well.

 

Shannon Wilder (Arthritis Today May/June 2008) understands arthritis and understands painful feet. She wrote an article called “Summer Soles” with tips about what to look for when you buy your next pair of shoes.

 

Support is the key. If your feet are painful you need proper support for the ball, arch and heel of your foot. Shoes should have semi-rigid soles, backs and sides in order to provide enough support. She recommends avoiding shoes that can be bent in half front to back.

 

Coverage is of the essence. It might be fun to show off your fancy pedicure but shoes that have bumpers that cover the toes and heels are studier and more comfortable than flat slippery sandals, and protect you from stubbed toes.

 

Comfort is everything if you are on your feet a lot. Cushioning and support with supple materials such as soft leather is ideal. The heel should be as wide as the back of the shoe rather than tapered, in order to lend stability and comfort.

 

Everyone wants to be a size six or below but if your feet are bigger you are going to have to live with that. Make sure that your shoe has a wide enough toe box so that you can wiggle your toes from side to side and up and down. The space between your longest toe and the edge of the shoe should be equal to the width of your thumbnail. Your heel should not lift off of the foot bed when you walk.

 

Recommendations for summer wear include the Key Largo, which is a closed back clog by Klogs (www.klogs.com) and the Row which has an internal rocker and Velcro straps by

Clarks

(www.clark.susa.com).  For more ideas check out: (www.ArthritisToday.com ) for a more about arthritis friendly shoes (or anyone looking for tips about really comfortable shoes).

Remote Control Door Openers

Remote Control Door Openers

 

Protected entryways, opting to use levers instead of knobs, or even keyless entry systems that are operated by a touch, are the first steps to take to assure easy access into your house. 

 

An automatic door opener is another good option. These devices attach to your existing door and automatically open, close, lock or unlock your door by means of a remote control system or a touch pad. Devices are available that include a hold-open setting to allow you time to get safely through your doorway. Turn garages or utility rooms into well lighted and organized areas where everything from car to lawn care equipment can be stored in a safe easy to access environment.  Install automatic door openers and keyless dead bolts to open entryways in your home. Remember to update lighting near entrances to come on automatically to eliminate shadowed areas, and rework thresholds so that they are no higher than ¼ inch.

 

If limited hand or arm strength is an issue an automatic door opener can make life easier for you. An automatic garage door opener can make it easier for you to get in and out of your garage. Special features like keyless entry systems can provide secure access without the need for keys, and electronic sensors can prevent people or pets from being crushed by the heavy door.

 

Garage door openers are available in keychain versions, visor clip-on units or touchpad systems. The three basic models are chain-drive, belt drives, and screw drives. The chain-drive is the most common but it is noisier than the more expensive models.

Automatic Curtains and Blinds

Automatic Curtains and Blinds

 

It seems like science fiction but in today’s electronic age, practically everything can be automated and activate by sound, motion, timers, or even commands sent over the internet or by your cell phone. If you have a disability these features can make the difference between dependence and independence.

 

Glare from windows and shiny surfaces can be a problem for people with limited vision. You can reduce glare with anti-glare window films or by installing adjustable blinds or shades. Automatic window covering openers make it easier for people with limited arm or hand strength to adjust windows, blinds and shutters.  You can control hard to reach window blinds by remote control.

 

Controlling the amount of light that you want to let into your room is reason enough, but don’t forget to consider how you can increase energy efficiency, privacy and personal security by installing timers. Shades on a timer or sensor can open and close the blinds at certain hours or even be configured to close them when the sun hits that side of the house. Motorized blinds are available as wall mounted, hand held or by a fully automated system that can adjust each blind individually, as a group or both.  There are starter kits available at home improvement stores for do-it-yourselfers or hire a professional if you are interested in a more sophisticated set up.