How To Choose The Best Toenail Clippers For Seniors (2024)

Before the 1875 invention of the modern toe clipper, which was really more of a circular nail file, people often used small knives to trim or pare their nails.

Written records in literature concerning the trimming of nails date as far back as the 8th century BC.

The need to care for our toenails, like so many other things in life, increases exponentially with age and becomes even more important to maintaining overall foot health.

While the function of the toe nail clipper has always been the same, in order to remain ergonomic, experienced creators (like us!) have incorporated all their professional skills and knowledge to develop a new tool that will serve the particular needs of the senior population.

These are far more challenging than others due to reduced flexibility of hand muscles, visual difficulties and the fact that for many, aging toenails become thicker and harder to cut.

The Importance of Trimming Toenails

Although trimming toenails may not be a topic that inspires much thought, it is a process that is vital to personal hygiene and foot health.

There are actually many people who have problems with their toenails that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.

Associated issues can include which length is best. If they are too short, for example, they can easily become ingrown, and if they are too long, they can snag and tear socks or stockings.

They should never be trimmed by rounding the edges or cut into a pointy V-shape.

Experts suggest that the best length to leave toenails, no matter whether a person is young or older, is 1-2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 of an inch) above where they attach to the toe.

Human toe nails cannot be compared to animal claws. They are more fragile and constantly subjected to damage and stress.

When wearing shoes, they rub against the inside, and the more they stick out past the toe, the more likely they are to hit something and possibly break.

Regular trimming helps to prevent fungal infections and bacterial growth because dirt and pathogens often become trapped and can accumulate under long nails.

Arthritis And Trimming Toenails

The inflexibility of our joints as we age greatly affects the mobility of our hands. Arthritis (particularly Rheumatoid) and/or the medications to treat it can impact the health of our feet.

Changes can occur quickly and that is why professionals advise seniors to check their feet on a regular basis for signs of yellowing, red spots and curving.

Long nails can be difficult to reach, much less cut, for seniors suffering from arthritis, and conventional toe nail clippers cannot grip and safely cut through their thicker nails.

Help has arrived with the newest, most innovative upgrade to this classic instrument; namely, our Surgical-Grade Nail Clipper, which is available in two sizes, small and large, which are available, along with other foot care tools, via our Amazon store.

Expressly suited to address the needs of the senior population, this product guarantees a clean and accurate cut every time.

Important Tips About Toe Nail Trimming and Nail Clippers

Professionals recommend softening toenails before clipping, either by taking a bath or shower or soaking feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes and then thoroughly drying them.

Cutting straight across the nail and not rounding off the corners lessens the chance of an ingrown toenail, which can be very painful.

Our toenails are said to grow at the rate of 1/16 of an inch each month, suggesting trimming is most effective every six to eight weeks.

Consumers of any age should always take a little time to research the products they buy.

For example, some important questions to ask before making a toe nail clipper selection for a senior citizen should include:

Can a prospective toe nail clipper work for someone with reduced strength in their hands? Is the grip non-slip and safe?
Does it have a jaw that is wide enough to accommodate the thicker, harder toenails that are so often associated with aging?
Are the blades made from stainless steel, which ensures a clear precise cut every time?

Seek out safety features as well, which include a locking mechanism to keep the clippers closed when not in use.

This relates to that old axiom about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure, as this action prevents accidental cuts and ensures safe storage.

A design that makes them easy to clean, is also important, as this helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria or fungi that can cause foot infections.

The most important considerations for a tool that will serve seniors are as follows: