Just like any other part of the body, our nails change as we age. We can expect our nails to become hard and thick, take longer to grow, and become dull and brittle over time. Our nails can also change color, turning more yellow and opaque, as opposed to looking more translucent and shinier.
As if duller, more brittle nails aren’t enough, seniors are also more susceptible to fungal infections forming on or around their nail beds. This is especially common to find on the toenails of seniors, as seniors are encouraged to wear socks and shoes around the house to help prevent falls and protect their feet. Yet, wearing shoes all day only provides a warm, moist environment for fungus to grow.
Research has indicated that our nails can reveal signs of underlying diseases. It’s important for seniors to take preventative measures to care for their fingernails and toenails so that they can determine the health of their body. Nail care is an important aspect of personal grooming and unfortunately, it’s often overlooked. Make preventative nail care a priority by implementing the following tips.
Visit a Podiatrist
Many seniors suffer from ingrown toenails, which lead to further infections, due to improper trimming techniques. They either can’t reach their toenails or someone else trims them to the shape of their toe, leaving them prone to an ingrown toenail. Visiting a podiatrist regularly allows them to assess your overall foot health and share proper toenail trimming techniques. If you can’t trim your own toenails, a podiatrist can do that during your visit. If you are a senior and a diabetic, it’s vital that you avoid trimming your own toenails to lower your risk for developing an infection in your feet.
Let Them Breathe
While it’s important for seniors to wear shoes and socks to help prevent a fall, it’s also important that seniors give their toenails a chance to breathe. Find time each day to expose your toenails to fresh air. Take off your socks and shoes while watching television or go barefoot to bed. Treat your feet to a warm Epsom salt foot soak. Senior women who enjoy wearing nail polish need to give their fingernails and toenails an opportunity to breathe as well. Skip the polish between home manicures or pedicures. Consider using the fall and winter season as an “off” season for nail polish.
Trim Nails Regularly
Preventative nail care also involves trimming nails regularly. Nasty germs, dead skin cells, and dirt love to lurk under fingernails. While washing your hands and using a fingernail brush to scrub under fingernails can dislodge some of the gunk, keeping nails trimmed is the most effective way to minimize the spread of germs and infection. If you have thicker nails, trim your fingernails after a warm bath or shower, when the nails are softer and easier. You can also trim your toenails after bathing if you feel confident in doing so. Then, use a nail file to file nails straight across. If you have thinner nails, stick to a nail file alone. Check your nails weekly and trim or file as needed.
Eat the Right Nutrients
Preventative nail care also involves eating proper nutrients to support healthy, strong nails. If you suffer from dry and brittle nails, your diet may be lacking key nutrients. Improve your nails by eating more fruits, leafy greens, lean meats, salmon, beans, eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamins A, B, and C. Talk with your primary care physician about which vitamins and supplements are right for the health of your nails.
