Features of nail care for the elderly
The older we get, the more important it is to take care of our health! And taking care of your nails is an important part of it. Today, I would like to discuss with you the features of nail care for the elderly.
The basic steps we take to properly trim or file our nails become more difficult for older people due to the natural physical problems that come with age. 
Therefore, I am always very kind to my clients “in years”. After all, their needs for proper nail care are determined not only by the desire to have a beautiful manicure and pedicure, but also by physiological characteristics. Therefore, in order to be successful in working with this category of clients, the master should be aware of some of the changes that occur with age.
Ingrown nail
The most common problem that older people suffer from is the problem of an ingrown toenail. I have already told you in more detail about this phenomenon, and how to cure an ingrown nail in previous articles. Most often, we see ingrown toenails, so getting a pedicure about every four to five weeks is a reasonable precaution. If the client's nails are already showing abnormalities, such as onychocryptosis (excessively ingrown nails) or onychogryphosis (curved nails), it is best to consult a medical specialist initially. 
The main rule, which, perhaps, is known to each master: to prevent ingrown nails, nails should be cut straight across (and not in the shape of a toe).
Onycholysis
With age, the nail plate no longer adheres so tightly to the nail bed, and there is a great risk of losing the nail, even when performing the simplest daily tasks. Separation of the nail from the nail bed is called onycholysis, and, unfortunately, this is a fairly common problem in the 50+ age category.
If you are doing a manicure for older people, you need to take this factor into account and be especially careful when treating the area under the nail. Too aggressive brushing under the nails is a very common cause of onycholysis. If the client is prone to separation of the nail plate, then you should refrain from mechanical cleaning under the nails. But even if the person does not have onycholysis, be very careful not to apply too much pressure on the underside of the nail, or run the instrument too deep under the nail. For older people, it is best to avoid excessively long nails altogether, which can cause additional nail injuries.
Impaired blood circulation
As the saying goes: "trouble does not come alone", and another negative phenomenon that older people face is a violation of blood circulation in the limbs. This can lead to excessive brittleness of the nails. In this case, much does not depend on the master, but the situation can be improved by refusing products containing acetone, or formaldehyde, which additionally dry out the nails. It is also worth paying attention to vitamin supplements that improve the overall condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Dark spots
Most often, the skin on the hands shows the first signs of aging, since it is the hands that are most often exposed to direct sunlight without SPF protection. The negative influence of the sun can be displayed in the form of brown age spots. You can prevent their occurrence by using a hand cream with SPF 15-30 protection before each exit to the street. 
Dry skin
Continuing the “old age is not a joy” trend, the information that over the years the skin can lose its ability to retain moisture. :( Therefore, one of the most important conditions for proper care of hands and feet is daily hydration. It is worth paying attention to creams and lotions containing ceramites and hyaluronic acid, which mimic the natural lipid barrier of the skin. For old school grandmothers who welcome only folk remedies. There are many homemade recipes for skin moisturizers. :)
Dry cracked skin is a fairly common phenomenon experienced by manicurists. Especially in winter, when the skin of the hands dries for various reasons. But this is not only aesthetically unsightly and causes discomfort, it is also quite a dangerous phenomenon. Cracks, even without visible blood, can be conductors of infections. 
Infections
Infection is another common problem that affects the older generation. Due to poor hygiene, some older people accumulate a lot of dirt under their nails. If the hands and feet are not thoroughly washed with soap on a daily basis, bacterial and fungal infections can gradually develop. Infections can spread to all fingers and cause other complications.
Give your mom or grandma a big set of rubber gloves and remind them more often of the benefits of using them around the house or gardening.
Nail growth
The growth rate of nails is usually 1-3 mm per month. With age, starting at about 25, this figure tends to decrease by about 0.5% per year. Doesn't sound very inspiring, but let's look at it in a positive way. The slower the nails grow, the longer the manicure with gel polish will last in an aesthetically beautiful state! :) 
Proper nail care can actually improve the well-being of older people by making hands and feet not only look better, but cause fewer physical problems. It also has a positive effect on the general psychological state. And perhaps the most relevant and desirable gift for your grandmother next time will not be a new tablecloth, but a meeting with a manicure and pedicure master. :) 