Leave Foot Pain Behind - Tips for Happy Feet as We Age!

Like many people in their 60s and 70s, I suffered from foot pain a few years ago. My doctor diagnosed me with Plantar Fasciitis and sent me to an orthopedic doctor who fit me for a shoe insert.  When the custom inserts left me limping around, I went to a shoe store which promoted their own shoe inserts.  Even after going through breaking-in periods and trying my best to make the inserts work, I was still in terrible pain.  I felt as if I was walking gingerly and painfully everywhere I went.

After another consultation with my doctor, she suggested that most foot problems were due to poor shoe choices.  I realized that prior to my diagnosis with Plantar Fasciitis, I had been wearing a variety of slip-on shoes with little or no arch support.  I began a quest to find shoes which gave me better support and, within a few months of buying a selection of supportive, comfortable shoes with wider bases, lower heels, and better arch support, my foot pain gradually disappeared. (Ad)  

Today, I belong to a group which walks at least 100 miles a month, and my Plantar Fasciitis seems to have faded into the distant past.  I now understand how important it is to wear quality shoes which are designed to cushion, support and protect my feet.

In addition to conditions like Plantar Fasciitis, some of my friends have complained about a variety of different foot problems including ingrown toenails, bunions, blisters and swollen feet.  Several of them have had foot surgery, with varying degrees of success.  Personally, I wish all of us had been choosing better shoes when we were young so we were not experiencing sore feet, painful inserts, and surgeries as retirees.

Consequently, when I was approached by the Pandere Shoe Company to include a guest post on my blog about their attractive, sporty orthopedic shoes, I thought the information they are providing would be beneficial to those readers who may need to take a fresh look at how they are treating their feet.  I am not connected with the company and I do not receive any commissions or other benefit from the purchase of their shoes.  I just hope that readers will take a hard look at the shoes in their own closets and decide whether they need to make some changes in order to have happier feet! 

Check out the helpful information they have provided about common foot problems and what to look for in a shoe, in the post below.

How to Keep Retired Feet Happy

by Pandere Shoes

Now that you have finally reached the long-awaited milestone of retirement, nothing stands between you and everything you never had enough free time for – travel, golf, gardening, maybe even ballroom dancing.

Nothing, that is, except your tired, aching feet.

Foot problems are a common complaint among retirees. Like every other part of the body, our feet suffer from the effects of aging too:

·        Weakened tendons and ligaments cause the arch to drop, making feet wider and flatter.

·        Medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis, or poor circulation, can cause feet to swell, making it difficult to find supportive, comfortable shoes.

·        Corns, calluses, hammertoes, heel spurs, and bunions caused by years of squeezing feet into ill-fitting shoes make getting through the day difficult.

Wearing ill-fitting or overly tight shoes is all too common among retirees. Hot spots, blisters, abrasions, or ingrown toenails can occur where the shoe rubs against the skin or pinches the toes or heel. Many find themselves trying to remedy the situation by buying shoes a size or two too big. But that can cause a cascade of other problems, including balance problems as your feet slide around the large shoe.

The result? Pain and discomfort, which make participating in even the simplest activities unpleasant.

The best thing you can do to keep your feet happy is to pay attention to the aches and pains and give your feet the care they need. Regular visits with your healthcare provider, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that makes you more prone to foot issues, can help identify potential problems early. Exercises that stretch your feet and leg muscles are excellent for overall foot health.

Investing in comfortable, supportive shoes specifically designed to accommodate your feet can also be an important step in the battle to keep aching feet happy. 

Key features to look for when choosing shoes to accommodate aging feet include:

·        Adjustability and expandability

·        Removable insoles

·        Support

·        Non-slip bottoms

·        High-quality, durable materials

A host of orthopedic shoes on the market offer many of these features, but a new shoe company launched in 2018 has revolutionized the comfort shoe for retirees.

Pandere, a woman-owned shoe company based in Alaska, has developed the world’s first stylish, expandable shoe carefully engineered to accommodate a wide range of foot issues. Each of Pandere’s styles integrate a revolutionary expansion system, including adjustable toggles and Velcro closures, which allow the shoe to expand up to three width sizes. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, Pandere’s shoes work hard to keep you safe and keep your feet happy with:

·        A patented expansion system that expands with your foot throughout the day

·        No-tie toggle system for adjustability in key areas

·        A contoured, removable footbed that offers comfort, arch support and heel cushion

·        A wider shoe base for a roomier fit that won’t pinch, squeeze or rub

·        Anti-slip, recycled natural rubber latex bottoms

·        Supportive durable nubuk leather and neoprene

·        High-quality European craftsmanship

A few of the conditions Pandere shoes are specifically designed for include:

Foot Swelling

If you have a medical condition which makes your feet swell, such as lymphedema or diabetes, or if your feet have grown flatter and wider with age, try the Saturday shoe. Built on a wider last and bottom for an even roomier toe box and midfoot, the Saturday shoe expands to an EEE width size for women and EE for men. Available in sizes 4-13 for men or 6-15 for women. For ankle swelling, try the Rodeo shoe - available in women’s sizes 6-12, with expansion from a B up to an E width. 

(Disclosure: Some of the articles in this blog may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, the author does NOT receive a commission from the Pandere Shoe Company.)

Bunions

Pandere worked intensively with customers to design a shoe specifically for those suffering from bunions. The Rodeo shoe offers soft, supportive neoprene panels at the big toe joint that expand and provide extra wiggle room for those with bunions. Available in women’s sizes 6-12, the Rodeo expands from a B up to an E width. 

Extra Wide Feet

All of Pandere’s styles expand up to three width sizes and are perfect for anyone with wide feet. Consult the Pandere sizing chart or try the Fit Finder to determine which style is right for you. While the Saturday is the widest shoe Pandere offers, expanding up to an EEE width size for women and EE for men, all of Pandere’s styles cater to wide feet.

If your feet are slowing you down, there is hope! To learn more about Pandere Shoes, visit them online or reach out to them anytime at hello@pandereshoes.com. 

(The links in the above four paragraphs are ads for the Pandere Shoe Company).

If you are interested in learning more about solutions to common medical issues as we age, Medicare, Social Security, where to retire, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pandere Shoes

Free Quizzes for Brain Stimulation - Protect Yourself Against Dementia

Many retirees are looking for new and creative ways to keep their minds stimulated.  While it can be helpful to work on crossword puzzles, try your hand at Soduko, or challenge yourself with a variety of activities and games, many people would like another way to improve their knowledge and keep their brain active.

Research has shown that learning new things and stimulating different parts of your brain are important parts of an overall plan to protect yourself from Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia.   Along with regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, and social involvement, stimulating your brain is one of the "pillars of brain health." There are a variety of ways to stimulate your brain, including learning to play a musical instrument, learning a new language, or tackling mentally stimulating games. (Ad)

(Disclosure: This article may contain some Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make an Amazon purchase through one of these ads, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Although there are a variety of brain game sites on the internet which offer to stimulate your mind, many of the sites, such as Luminosity, charge fees.  Consequently, I was very interested when JetPunk contacted me about the free quizzes on their site. Visitors can use the site for free, without giving the site any of their personal information, and challenge themselves in a variety of fields of knowledge.  You can also repeat the quizzes as often as you wish, to increase your proficiency.  I have tried a couple of the quizzes, and thought they were both challenging and fun.

The site was created by the Hostetler Brothers, Dan and John, in 2008, and it has thousands of quizzes covering a wide range of topics including math, vocabulary, history, geography, and pop culture, to name just a few. Many teachers even use JetPunk to create their own quizzes. You can learn more about JetPunk and how to access the quizzes on their site in the guest post they submitted below:

JetPunk Quizzes Can Stimulate Your Brain

by Judy Hostetler

Looking for a way to challenge your mind or keep up with your grandchildren?  JetPunk is a free website that has thousands of quizzes on topics ranging from countries of the world to Harry Potter.  I start every morning with this one: https://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/short-term-memory-test.  It only takes a minute or two, and helps to jumpstart my brain.  Then, it is on to the general knowledge and vocabulary quizzes.  Everyday, there are featured quizzes which may peak your interest.

There is no cost to use the website unless you want to become a premium member.  You don’t even need to sign in, although creating an account allows you to keep track of your statistics and turn off the timer.  Want to make your own quiz?  If you’re registered, you can do that too.  Many teachers have created quizzes for their students to use, covering topics such as algebra, biology and history.

Whether you take the quizzes in the privacy of your room, or use them in social gatherings, JetPunk is a fun and challenging way to keep your mind sharp.

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If you are interested in learning more about preventing dementia and other medical issues as you age, or want to know about Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pixabay

Health Issues After Age 50 - What Can You Expect?

Most of us enter our 50s and 60s in generally good health and, ideally, we hope to stay that way.  We may get exercise, eat right the majority of the time, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.  Despite all that, we may suddenly develop an unexpected illness.  The more we know about these health issues, the greater our odds of overcoming them.

WebMD recently posted a list of the most common health issues which often suddenly develop and affect people after they hit age 50.  I found it very illuminating and thought I would share this information with my readers.  While we may not be able to avoid them all, it is important we recognize what we might be experiencing when something happens, so we can respond as quickly as possible and get the treatment which will be the most effective.  Understanding the symptoms of these problems can also make it easier for you to help a spouse or other loved one when they fall ill.

Heart Attacks

While younger adults can have a heart attack, is it more likely you could have one as you age.  In fact, as of 2019, approximately 735,000 people a year have heart attacks.  This is despite the fact that we have made advances in preventative measures such as statin drugs, blood pressure medications, fewer smokers, special diets, and exercise programs.  Fifty percent of men who reach age 50 can expect to eventually have a heart attack, and it is also a major cause of death for women.  What are some symptoms to watch for?

You should call for an ambulance if you or someone you know experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, and/or a sudden, unexplained pain in the back, shoulders, or neck. At the same time, it is even more likely you are having a heart attack if you also feel sweaty, dizzy, or nauseous.  Women may not have chest pain, but if they have several of the other symptoms, they should also suspect a heart attack.  Many people have a-typical heart attacks, so it is important to be aware of that. When my husband had his heart attack, he did not have chest pain.  In addition, he had pain in his right shoulder, although it is more common to have pain in the left shoulder.  He also became very pale and clammy.  Know your body.  If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself. 

Strokes

A stroke occurs when blood does not get to a part of your brain and the brain cells start to die.  Call an ambulance immediately if your face begins to droop on one side, you have sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arms, or legs, you lose your bearings or get confused, and you have trouble talking. There are treatments which can reverse the effects, but they have to be taken within the first couple of hours.  Do not delay!

Aneurysms

An aneurysm means that a weak part of a blood vessel is bulging out and is at risk of leaking or rupturing.  One of our daughters had an aneurysm rupture in her brain when she was only in her late 40s.  While it can happen at any age, the older you are, the greater your risk.  Our daughter's first symptom was a sudden, blinding headache and extreme nausea.  Other symptoms can include clammy skin, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat.  It you suddenly feel terrible and think you are experiencing the worst headache you ever had, do not hesitate to rush to the emergency room.  The sooner they stop the bleeding in the brain, the more likely you are to recover.  Our daughter happened to be with a retired paramedic when her aneurysm occurred.  He recognized the symptoms, rushed her to the emergency room, and today she is just fine.

Gallstones

It seems as if more and more frequently I hear about friends who have had gallbladder problems.  Suspect that you have a gallstone if you have severe pain behind your belly button.  Eating rich, fatty foods can bring on a gallbladder attack. Being overweight can contribute to gallstones, as can diabetes and Crohn's Disease.  The best advice is to eat a healthy diet, avoid fatty foods, and go to the doctor if you experience unusual pain in your stomach.

Acute Pancreatitis

If gallstones become bad enough, they can trigger acute pancreatitis.  It can also be caused if you are a heavy drinker, or you have high calcium or triglyceride levels.  If you have extreme nausea, vomiting, a fever and a lot of pain, do not brush it off as the flu.  Go to the emergency room.  It could save your life.

Pneumonia

The older you are, the greater your risk of dying from pneumonia, especially if your immune system becomes weaker, or you are sedentary for a few weeks after surgery or a broken bone. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a bacteria, not a virus.  The good news is that there is a vaccine for many of the bacteria which cause pneumonia and it is highly recommended that you get it.  The bad news is that you can also come down with viral pneumonia, especially after a case of the flu or a bad cold, and the pneumonia vaccine will do nothing to prevent it.  If you have a fever and difficulty breathing after a cold or the flu, see your doctor.  There are treatments for pneumonia, whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. 

Pulmonary Embolism

This occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in your lungs, and it can be life threatening.  It often occurs after you have had a heart attack, surgery, or if you have sat for a long time in a cramped position, such as an airplane seat.  The first symptom may be a sharp pain in your leg, which is where these blood clots often originate.  Symptoms include blood when you cough, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, clamminess, or bluish skin.  Pulmonary embolisms are very dangerous, so get yourself checked if you experience these symptoms.  In addition, you may consider wearing medical support socks when you fly.  They can lessen your risk of developing a blood clot in your leg.

Other Common Health Issues After Age 50

The above list includes some of the more dangerous health issues which can develop as you age, but there are other common medical problems which can cause you pain and make your life miserable. These include broken bones which are a result of osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, vertigo, detached retinas, gout and kidney stones.

You may also be diagnosed in your later years with other life-threatening illnesses such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and bursitis.  The risk of developing any of these illnesses increase with age.

How to Protect Yourself Against Poor Health

The best protection against these illnesses is to get annual check-ups from your doctors, including specialists such as a dermatologist who will monitor you for skin cancer.  Women should get mammograms and men should have their prostrate checked.  Everyone should get a complete blood count at least annually, and more often if their doctor recommends it.  Your blood work can help doctors determine your risk of a heart attack or stroke, whether you are developing chronic kidney disease, blood cancers, diabetes, and other health issues.  Periodically, you will also want to get a bone density scan and any vaccines suggested by your doctor, including an annual flu shot. The flu shot not only reduces your risk of getting the flu, but lowers your risk of developing some forms of pneumonia. Be consistent about taking the medications you are prescribed to prevent heart disease and other problems.

It is equally important to make any lifestyle changes which are recommended by your doctors.  For example, if you have signs of developing heart disease or kidney disease, they may suggest you see a specialist or nutritionist and follow a specific diet.  In general, most people should eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats, but your diet can vary depending on your medical issues. For example, people with chronic kidney disease should avoid red meat and limit their consumption of certain fruits and vegetables.  Your doctor will be able to give you a list of foods to avoid so you stay healthy as long as possible.

Regardless of you health issues, you should also try to maintain a healthy weight, give up smoking, limit your alcohol consumption, and get plenty of exercise.  If you develop any unusual symptoms, see a doctor.  If you experience severe or sudden pain, go to the emergency room.

After age 50, health issues can reveal themselves suddenly.  However, we do not have to let them be debilitating or end our lives prematurely.

If you are interested in learning more about common health issues as you age, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, travel or where to retire, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com