Your feet are your foundation – literally. They’ve carried you through a lifetime of steps. They support your body, your balance, and your ability to stay active and independent.
But aging can take a toll on our feet: the skin becomes thinner, circulation slows down, and years of wear and tear can lead to a range of senior foot care issues, from bunions to balance problems. Left untreated, foot issues can lead to infections, chronic pain, or even hospital visits.
That’s why senior foot care is about so much more than just comfort. It's an integral part of protecting your mobility, preventing falls, and supporting overall senior health.
Senior foot care doesn’t have to be hard. A little daily care can go a long way. Keep reading for 18 expert-backed senior foot care tips to keep your soles happy and healthy.
1. Do a Daily Senior Foot Care Check
The first and most important step in senior foot care is getting to know your feet. Check them frequently for redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, or changes in the skin and nails. This daily senior foot care habit can catch small problems before they turn into big ones.
But don’t just look for bumps and bruises. Your feet can reveal surprising clues about overall senior health. In fact, changes in your feet are often among the first signs of underlying conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, arthritis, or even heart disease.
For example, tingling, numbness, or slow-healing sores may point to diabetic neuropathy. Swelling could indicate circulation or kidney issues. Dry, cracked skin may be a sign of thyroid problems. Think of your feet as senior health messengers; if you know what to look for, they’ll help keep you informed about what’s going on in your body.
As part of your daily senior foot care routine, take a few extra seconds to check how your feet feel, not just how they look. If something seems unusual, don’t ignore it. Call your doctor or podiatrist to stay ahead of any larger issues.
2. Wash and Dry Your Feet Thoroughly
Clean, dry feet help prevent everything from bad odors to dangerous fungal or bacterial infections. As we age, our skin gets thinner and more prone to damage, so keeping it clean helps protect against bacteria sneaking in through small cracks or cuts.
Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap in the shower. Wash the tops, soles, and spaces between your toes daily, especially if you’ve been sweating, walking outside, or wearing closed-toe shoes. After washing, be sure to dry between your toes with a soft towel or tissue. Moisture in those tight spaces is a breeding ground for fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Pro-tip: If you have trouble bending over, use a shower chair to more comfortably and safely reach your toes while washing. If you need help installing a shower chair or grab bar, GoGo Home Services can help you find a trusted local handyman to get the job done.
3. Moisturize, But Skip Between the Toes
Dry skin is common with age, and cracked heels can lead to pain or infection. A good moisturizer keeps your feet soft, hydrated, and resilient. Apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet after showering or before bed. Don’t apply between the toes; moisture trapped between toes can lead to fungal growth. Use comfortable, grippy socks after applying moisturizer to help reduce your risk of slipping.
If you’re dealing with any significant dryness, cracking, or other signs of infection, talk to your doctor about using an antifungal or prescription moisturizer as part of your senior foot care plan.
4. Trim Toenails Carefully
Well-groomed toenails are essential to maintaining senior foot health and mobility. Long or misshapen nails can affect how you walk, increasing your risk of tripping, pressure sores, or other mobility issues. Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails, which can be painful and slow to heal.
If bending is difficult, don’t hesitate to ask a loved one for help or book a professional pedicure. GoGo Home will help you find nail techs who can come to your home or provide services in a smaller, more private studio.
5. Pick the Right Shoes for Senior Foot Care
Senior foot care starts with what you put on your feet. Ill-fitting shoes are a major cause of falls, blisters, and long-term foot issues. Supportive, well-fitted shoes protect your joints, improve posture, and are crucial for preventing injury and maintaining senior foot health.
Look for shoes with:
- A wide toe box
- Cushioned soles
- Non-slip grip
- A snug (but not tight) fit
Avoid heels or narrow shoes that can cause bunions or affect your balance.
Not sure which shoes will work for you? Check out this article: Bye-Bye Heels – Shoes to Wear for Senior Foot Care.
6. Invest in High-Quality Socks
The right socks do more than keep your feet warm. They help manage moisture and temperature, protect skin, and improve traction, which all play a role in fall prevention and overall senior health.
Here’s what to look for in quality senior foot care socks:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton blends or bamboo
- Non-binding tops to prevent cutting off circulation
- Soft compression socks for swelling and improved circulation (with your doctor’s approval)
- Grippy or non-slip socks for walking safely around the house
Look for socks that support your senior foot care goals, whether it’s improved circulation, extra cushioning, or better grip to prevent falls. Make sure to change your socks daily to prevent infections.
7. Watch for Numbness or Tingling
Tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet could signal neuropathy or poor circulation, which may be early signs of diabetes or nerve damage. Let your doctor know if anything feels “off.” Catching these conditions early is key to avoiding complications.
8. Don’t Ignore Foot Pain
Foot pain is not “just part of getting older.” If walking hurts, talk to your doctor or podiatrist. Pain affects how you move, which can lead to posture issues, reduced mobility, decreased physical activity, or even falls. The sooner you get help, the better – early senior foot care intervention is essential for keeping you active, mobile, and thriving.
9. Don’t DIY Senior Foot Care Surgery
If you’re dealing with corns, calluses, or bunions, don’t try to cut or remove them yourself. Doing so can cause infections or injuries, especially if you have reduced sensation or circulation. Leave it to the pros to avoid making a small problem worse.
10. Try a Warm Foot Soak for Aching Feet
There’s nothing quite like a warm foot soak at the end of a long day, especially if you have arthritis or swelling. Consider adding foot baths to your senior foot care routine to relieve tension and stiffness, encourage blood flow, and promote relaxation.
Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a small basin with warm (not hot) water and soak your feet for 10–15 minutes.
- If you like, add Epsom salts or gentle, fragrance-free soap to cleanse and soften skin.
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Follow up with moisturizer for soft, happy feet.
11. Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet
Weak or tight foot muscles can affect your stride and balance, which can cause joint pain, falls, and sprains. Gentle senior foot care exercises like toe curls, ankle rolls, and calf stretches promote healthy movement, improve flexibility, boost balance and circulation, and play an important role in long-term senior health.
Not sure where to start? Check out GoGoGrandparents’ free Functional Fitness classes on YouTube for exercises that strengthen every part of your body, from your head to your toes.
12. Keep Moving
Sitting too long causes circulation to slow. Get up, stretch, or take short walks every hour to support joint health, energy levels, and overall senior health. As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it”; the more you use your feet and muscles, the stronger and healthier they’ll stay.
Check out these 5 stretches you should do every day to get started.
13. Elevate Your Feet While Sitting
Sit back, relax, and put up your feet. Elevating your feet helps reduce swelling, boost circulation, and give your legs and ankles a well-deserved break.
As we age, blood flow in the lower legs and feet can slow down, especially after long periods of sitting. Elevation helps prevent fluid from pooling in the ankles and feet, which can cause discomfort and increase your risk of circulation problems.
So, whenever you’re sitting – like reading, watching TV, or chatting on the phone – try resting your feet on a footstool or a stack of pillows. This simple habit helps prevent fluid buildup and supports better daily senior foot care.
14. Wear Shoes in Public Places
Fungal infections are highly contagious and thrive in warm, damp environments. When you’re in shared spaces like pools or gyms, always wear sandals or water shoes to prevent infections.
15. Check Shoes for Debris
Before slipping on your shoes, check for small pebbles, paper, foreign objects, or bugs. A tiny object in your shoe can cause blisters or wounds without you noticing, especially if you deal with neuropathy or decreased sensation in your feet. This small senior foot care habit helps avoid more serious long-term problems.
16. Watch for Toenail Changes
Thick, discolored, or brittle nails may be signs of toenail fungus. Nail fungus is more than cosmetic. If left untreated, it can spread, cause pain, and compromise your senior foot health over time. The sooner you catch nail fungus, the easier it is to treat, so don’t delay if you notice nail changes.
17. Get Your Senior Foot Care Products Delivered
The last thing you want to do when your feet are in pain is drive to the pharmacy and wait in long lines. With GoGo Pharmacy, you don’t have to. GoGo Pharmacy will deliver your senior foot care essentials right to your door, so you can stay at home, feet elevated and a cup of tea in hand.
Here are some common senior foot care items GoGo Pharmacy can deliver from your local pharmacy:
- Moisturizing foot creams – great for dry, cracked heels
- Antifungal sprays or powders for athlete’s foot or nail fungus
- Diabetic socks that are non-binding, moisture-wicking, and cushioned
- Compression socks for circulation support – ask your doctor before use
- Toe separators or bunion pads for alignment and comfort
- Cushioned insoles or gel heel inserts for added support in shoes
- Bandages and blister pads to protect minor cuts or irritated spots
- Epsom salts for soothing foot soaks
- Antibacterial ointment for treating small scrapes or wounds
- Toenail clippers and nail care tools – look for ones with ergonomic grips
- Foot files or pumice stones to gently smooth calluses
- Non-slip socks or indoor grippy slippers to help reduce the risk of falls
Delays in foot treatment can cause small issues to become serious. GoGo Pharmacy supports senior health by helping you act fast, stay consistent, and get on top of your senior foot care routine – and you don’t even have to put on your shoes to get your foot care essentials delivered right to your door!
18. Don’t Skip Your Annual Senior Foot Care Exam
A podiatrist should be part of your senior health team, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, or mobility challenges. Regular checkups help catch issues early, often before you feel them. If it’s been a while, consider this your sign to book an appointment.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Feet
Your feet might not get as much attention as your heart or joints, but they’re just as essential to overall senior health and wellbeing. Taking care of them isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying active, independent, and safe. Whether it’s checking your feet each day, upgrading your socks, or booking a podiatrist visit, small senior foot care steps really do add up.
And you don’t have to do it all alone. With GoGo Pharmacy, getting senior foot care supplies, finding trusted local nail pros, and staying on top of your health has never been easier.
Register with GoGo today and take the first step toward healthier, happier feet – because when your feet feel good, your overall well-being improves too.
