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Fashion Has a New Look

By Bill Case | In Fall Prevention, Fashion, General Health, Safety | on September 29, 2013

News flash – it’s time for the fashion giants to know, it’s 2013 and there is a new look in town and it’s culturally driven. It’s not about the 6 inch stilettos or the low cut anything, but what our sophisticated social scene needs to embrace and that is the trending and fashionable CANE for the new S-Generation (Seniors).

Celebrities, athletes, the rich and famous and the everyday housewife are living longer. Styles, accessories and the latest Paris fashion trends are ever changing and here to stay.

So, what about this new S-Gen., who are living longer and finding it harder to accessorize. Yes, we are living longer to enjoy the fruits of our labors and all of our resources, but what happens when you fall.

When you fall, beware, life just changed. It’s time to re-assess the closet. It’s time to take control of your fashion life and continue to strut your stuff with confidence at every step.

I’m talking a fashionable, functional and sexy CANE to improve your posture and balance. No matter if your event takes you to the Oscars, Emmy’s, DWTS or just a hot night on the town. A cane can not only keeps you from falling but sends a positive statement that you are independent, happy and healthy.

The social stigma and taboo of walking with a cane is gone. Everyone knows someone who uses a cane. Canes not only provide support with balance but are used to remind you to stand uptight when walking. An upright posture will prevent falls and a cane will help you pick up your feet. Don’t be that person, who walks in fear of a fall, when unsteady on your feet.

If you are over 65 years old, there is a 1 in 3 chances you will fall this year. An older adult goes to the emergency room every 15 minutes from a fall. So why take the chance? Why depend on someone to walk next to you and catch you if you stumble. The probability that you will pull them down with you, when you fall, is very high.

If you don’t want to feel like you are getting older, then get a cane. It is sad to watch an older adult slouch and walk with a limp.  Especially, when they believe they are walking just fine.   To many problems with a poor gait can be prevented and a cane can definitely help.  With proper cane instruction, about 5 minutes, you can walk with confidence and look fantastic.

The bottom line is if you are limping you are probably damaging something else like your back, hip or knees. A cane helps walking look more natural and without causing further joint damage. Not to mention preventing a fall.

Its time to redirect our fashion attention to the older population. Staffs,walking sticks and canes have been around for ages. Canes are now more stylish, unique, affordable and most importantly practical than ever before.

The vanity days are passé. We are living longer and each day we should embrace our independence and our active lifestyle with confidence. Don’t let your pride land you on your backside. Use a cane.

People tell me all the time, after I recommend a cane to prevent limping, that a cane makes them look old.  Well, what is old?  Is it your age or how you feel. You can be young and look old by how you stand, sit or walk, especially slouching or with a limp.  I tell people after the age of 35 years to get arch supports for your feet, use a lumbar support for your back when you sit and a night guard for your teeth. Because all of the body parts are going to go south, its just a matter of time.  Age is inconsequential, your state of mind and proactive lifestyle now, will prevent problems later.

A cane is cool, because now you can say, “This is what I am doing to take care of myself”.   It’s time for the social and cultural stigma associated with canes to be over. From a practical standpoint, it is the smartest and most responsible statement you can make, because everyone is now living longer. The goal is independence, staying active and out of the doctors office, especially the emergency room.

Recently Diane Carrol was seen at the Emmy’s looking gorgeous and vivacious as usual. Her heels may have been a bit high and her balance a little unsteady, as she was escorted, with some standby assistance. I bet she could have blended an emaculate stylish cane with her ensemble and been the belle of the ball.  I believe, that her presence with a cane, probably would have sent a very positive message. That message is— I’m starting the newest style and trend for all older adults.

Most importantly, wearing heels is hard enough and if you feel unsteady on your feet, then by all means maximize all your resources.  And of course, she did. Kudos!

When pain is present or you have some instability with walking, you now have a great equalizer in your closet–a cane. When choosing your fashionable wardrobe, you now have hundreds of styles and colors of canes to to choose from, just ask Google. I recommend lowering those heels to protect your feet, back and balance. Choose the material in your dress that is slightly more forgiving for moving in and out of those tight spots. And of course, make the fashion statement of the year with a very stylish and colorful cane. The advantages of walking with a cane will be noticed as you walk upright, balanced, confident and now stylish. Show everyone you are proud of your independence and plan to keep it that way.

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-Physical Therapist 32 yrs. with 19 years in private practice -University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston,TX. - Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy- 1982 -Post graduate Sports Physical Therapy Specialist --1987 -Inventor: Diagonal Rotary Patterning Machine, Patent 1988 -Lecture: on orthopedic injuries-nationally and internationally -Co-author: for SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY -Writer: for The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Self, Men's Health, Fitness and Prevention magazines

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15 Comments to "Fashion Has a New Look"

  • Deborah Case says:

    September 30, 2013 at 1:37 am -

    This information is so incredibly valuable! Last week, I had 3 people who asked me to
    pray for their parents who just feel and broke their hip!

  • bonyi says:

    October 24, 2013 at 3:22 pm -

    I will suggest that ladies wear heels they feel comfortable with. Instead of wearing heels that is too high to make them loose their balance. I love heels though but I’m considering lowering them.

  • bonyi says:

    October 29, 2013 at 10:53 am -

    In my opinion, fashion should be all about comfort. If I’m not comfortable with what I’m wearing be it shoes or cloths, I should as well forget it.

  • Celeste says:

    November 1, 2013 at 2:20 pm -

    I see nothing wrong with using a cane if you need it, but I do agree that many people worry about how it looks as well as how it makes them feel. I would be curious to see how they could make fashion canes without looking like something from a costume shop.

  • Bill Case says:

    November 1, 2013 at 2:49 pm -

    I agree. Fashionablecanes.com is a website which offers fashion canes for many needs. Now if we can just get the designers on board, then we can give Fashion a New Look!

  • dieselfit says:

    November 13, 2013 at 4:09 pm -

    Anything can be fashionable and that includes a cane. Have we forgotten about the dress that “pimps” traditionally wear? They don’t need to be exactly that, but that simple and lame example goes to show that canes aren’t only for the old, but for the fashionable. You’ve stated that very clearly in this well written article. Will have to show this to my grandma and her friends.

  • JoanMcWench says:

    November 15, 2013 at 5:26 pm -

    Sometimes I feel like it is not the design of the cane that makes it fashionable but the comfort and use of the cane by the person. You can dress up the cane in a Louis Vutton design but if the person using it seems out of their comfort zone it can be a disaster. Changing ones mentality on the issue of having to use a cane helps make it seem like a more natural thing in their lives. I hear black goes with everything.

  • Bill Case says:

    November 16, 2013 at 1:24 am -

    True, Black is a cool color. Personally, the color is not as important to me as the function and the need for support, especially when assisting balance. The stigma needs to go about canes. Unfortunately, fashion is important to some and if you need to be fashionable, then go for it. I’ve written about the importance of preventing falls and a cane may help with balance. Education is the key to preventing those unnecessary falls and if Paris can start trending to a smarter look with canes then we may be on to something. I’ll be glad to consult!!!!!

  • charlee felice says:

    November 24, 2013 at 6:53 pm -

    Very good way to let seniors and others that its ok to use their resources. A cane was part of my fathers life the last few years he was around, and it helped him continue to feel independent.

  • hannah_brooke says:

    November 29, 2013 at 6:47 pm -

    If you need to use a cane to help you get around then definitely get one that fits your personality and your own unique style. It’s obvious you are getting older so why try to hide it. Embrace it.

  • Fit4living says:

    December 22, 2013 at 6:46 am -

    I stopped wearing high heels when I was in my 30s. It just isn’t worth the discomfort, and it is especially not worth the risk of falling.

    I do think that canes can be made to look very fashionable, and with the Baby Boomers making the transition into senior-hood, they may soon become the fashion statement of the year!

    Knowing how to use a cane properly is important, as has been addressed elsewhere on this site.

    I think a cane can absolutely convey an air of confidence and Independence.

  • theshaynee says:

    January 15, 2014 at 3:33 am -

    I can’t remember the last time I saw any older women in heels. They usually wear flats from what I can tell. I understand wanting to be fashionably conscious but not at the risk of your health. That’s like not wearing a cast over a broken bone because it doesn’t match your outfit. I like the idea of canes being cool though and it’s true. I know tons of younger people that use them even though you don’t need them.

  • Diane says:

    July 25, 2015 at 6:55 pm -

    I’ve never been one to wear stilettos, as I believe they’re bad for your feet. Her heels don’t look all that high, but the pointed toes can’t be comfortable, and the shoes are too low on the sides to provide any support. I’d much rather wear something comfortable and sensible, and not take a chance on falling or even stumbling. Many people don’t realize that even stumbling can cause pain. I have noticed a trend where older models are being used in some ads, and I hope the trend persists, and that eventually, we’ll see people in commercials and other ads that look just like you and me, canes included.

  • GemmaRowlands says:

    July 29, 2015 at 1:07 pm -

    I think that you should be very aware of what you’re wearing, especially as you get older and become less steady on your feet. You can still get some very fashionable shoes that are flat, so I don’t really understand why people would still choose to wear heels despite all of the risks that come with them. I know that if I had fallen, my footwear would be the first thing that I chose to reassess. If you are worried about not wearing heels anymore, then perhaps you should gradually reduce the height of them so that they are not quite as noticeable.

  • Celerian says:

    October 5, 2015 at 3:36 pm -

    If you want to look good, don’t let age ever stop you!

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