How to Care for Your Aging Nails
Like everything else about our bodies, our nails change with age. They take longer to grow, become dull and brittle, and even change color. Older adults can expect their toenails to become harder and thicker, whereas their fingernails often grow thinner and more fragile. It's easier for their fingernails to tear or rip, which is why it’s important older adults learn how to care for their aging nails. Here are a few ways older adults can care for their aging nails to keep them growing healthy and strong.
Keep Them Neat and Clean
Proper nail care starts by keeping your nails clean and trimmed. Germs and dirt love to linger under fingernails and toenails. Use a nail brush to scrub under nail beds during your bath or shower gently. Prevent further build-up of gunk beneath the nail beds by keeping them trimmed. If you have thicker nails, trim them after a warm bath or shower when they are softer and easier to cut. Use a nail file to file nails straight across. Keep your nail length no longer than a slither of white on the ends of your nails; they should extend just slightly past your fingertips.
Expose Them to Fresh Air
Seniors are also more susceptible to fungal infections forming on or around their nail beds if duller, more brittle nails aren't enough. 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. In the same vein, constantly wearing nail polish can cause nails to become severely dry or brittle. Give your toenails and fingernails a chance to breathe. Take off your shoes and socks while you sit and watch television or read a book. Take a week or two off from wearing polish.
Feed Them Proper Nutrition
Caring for your aging nails also means eating the proper nutrients to support healthy, strong nails. If you suffer from dry and brittle nails, your diet may be lacking essential 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. Discuss any nail concerns you have with your doctor as your nails can reveal signs of underlying diseases, such as lung, heart, and liver disease.
Schedule Appointments with a Professional
Many older adults suffer from ingrown toenails because of improper toenail clipping techniques. Ingrown toenails are painful. If left untreated, they can lead to further infection. Take care of your toenails by scheduling regular appointments with a podiatrist. The podiatrist can assess your overall foot health and show you how to trim your toenails to prevent ingrown toenails properly. They can even trim your nails for you during your visit. Older adults with diabetes should avoid clipping their own toenails altogether to reduce their risk of infection. Leave this task to the professional. If you have concerns regarding your fingernail health, visit your primary care physician, or schedule an appointment who may refer you to a dermatologist.
Visiting Angels Sarasota is here for older adults who need support to live independently and safely at home. We refer experienced caregivers who can provide one-on-one non-medical care and assistance to seniors who prefer to age-in-place. Our Registry-based model allows you to select your caregivers through Registry referrals and decide what care services you need. You remain in charge of your schedule; we take care of the administrative paperwork. To learn more, please get in touch with us today by calling 941-952-5800.