The Australian Bureau of Statistics released on November 2013 that the highest life expectancy estimates ever recorded in Australia, reflecting record low death rates. Director of Demography, Bjorn Jarvis, said "A boy born today could expect to live 79.9 years, while a girl could expect to live 84.3 years. For those approaching retirement age, say 65 years, males could expect to live a further 19 years and females a further 22 years". "Australia's life expectancy at birth continues to be amongst the highest in the world. The combined male and female figure of 82.0 years. If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that is cherished by our aging population, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities

 

Mirror of Health

The human foot has been called the “mirror of health.” Foot doctors, or Podiatrist are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the foot. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discolouration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear.

 

Foot Problems Can Be Prevented

For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated.There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved.

 

Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it’s a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits.Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. Chief among them are that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalisation because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care

 

 

Foot Health Tips

 

• Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don’t fit right, and cause serious foot problems.

• A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities.

• Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day.

• Walking is the best exercise for your feet.

• Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams.

• Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots.

• Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.

• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturisers, or use a moisturiser separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.

• Trim or file your toenails straight across.

• Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness,swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist

• Have your feet examined by a Podiatrist at least twice a year.