Give the Gift of Slippers this Christmas

Give the Gift of Slippers this Christmas

Tis the season to be gift giving, and if you are anything like me then you will be stuck with what to buy the older members of the family. I always struggle with what to buy my nan and end up buying some “smellies” that I wonder whether or not they get used or just languish in a drawer somewhere.

 On average a third of over 65’s will suffer from a fall each year. This is down to a number of reasons, such as loss of muscle tone and proprioception (Perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body). A research paper published by the British Medical Journal concluded that properly fitted slippers, such as those carrying the Healthy Footwear Guide logo, could reduce the risk of falls in over 65’s by around 36%. As an extra bonus it has been estimated that preventing this number of falls could save the NHS in the region of £2.3 billion per year. Alongside this it would save other unwanted side effects for our loved ones. A single fall can have significant consequences for that person. They can cause injuries, fractures, loss of confidence, hospital admissions and a loss of independence.

 When shopping for slippers, always try to adhere to the Healthy Footwear Guide’s features:

• A stable heel of approx. 25cm
• A good, sturdy heel counter that provides good cosseting
• Good retention of the foot by way of a fastening
• Made of a good material that allows a healthy climate inside the shoe
• All areas of the shoe offer adequate width and depth to allow normal foot function
• The sole is grippy and allows normal foot function

 So, when you are doing your Christmas shopping this year, spare a thought for your older relatives this year and give them the gift of slippers, a present they will really appreciate, and will benefit their wellbeing and the nation as a whole!