to be incapable of cutting my own toenails aged 51

[Goldfsh]

I am fairly fit and flexible, but I don't seem to be able to reach my toenails anymore, OR get them in focus in my damn vari-focus glasses.

Do I need special toe glasses like the ones I have for my computer?!

Is this the age when I need to get someone in to do my toenails?!

I feel about 100 years old and rather embarrassed. DH is just as bad, if not worse. We are now just randomly hacking at our blurred toenails by feel, and getting all sorts of problems.

What am I missing?!

Weird - I'm 54 and also wear varifocals and have no trouble cutting my toenails! I'm not especially fit but am reasonably flexible.

Please just pay a Podiatrist or Foot Health Practitioner to cut them.

You have toe glasses for your computer! 😂

Try buying long-handled toe-nail scissors; the distance that you need to reach down is then reduced, you may be able to see through your glasses from there.

Ha! I worry about this! I can't see them with either my reading glasses or long distance specs, and I'm loath to pay for "toenail cutting specs", so last time I accidentally cut them too short. Makes me cringe to think about it, but I didn't cut skin, iyswim. My knees don't bend like they used to. At some point I will have to start seeing a chiropodist.

I wear my reading glasses. Foot up on the edge of the toilet seat or low window. Not elegant but gets the job done. You can get long handle nail scissors.
cannot do it in my varifocals as I would have to tip my head slightly back and up in order to find the right bit to see through, and it’s too close to my eyes to be able to peer over the top!

There is no shame in engaging the services of a professional.

I suspect this is part of the problem. Maybe I should actually try using my reading glasses.

I hadn't heard of long-handled scissors for this purpose! I shall buy some!

Buy some cheap easy readers from home bargains, much stronger than your own glasses? Maybe you should be cutting each other’s nails ?

Long-handled toenail scissors- they’re a thing! From Amazon maybe but definitely from a mobility shop.

Yes my knees seem to bend the wrong way. I do have knee problems. So my foot bends under and I can't see the toenails.

I used to be able to CHEW my toenails. I was sort of proud of myself.

Podiatrist or high street nail bar

You cut DH toenails.

DH cuts your toenails.

Maybe even comment on how nice it would be to get a foot massage at the same time.

Problem solved.

This is something I feel strongly about as my husband can’t cut his own toenails and is to anxious to go to the local salon that does a service for those that can’t. He thinks they are going to cut his toes off and jumps around nervously. And so I have to do it.

I do therefore wonder what I suppose millions of people who can’t cut their toe nails do.

When my DGMa was alive the GP offered her a home visit service. So maybe have a look into that.

I am 59, can easily cut my toenails and have sworn to myself that I always will be able to. I do yoga and am therefore very bendy.

I have suggested this but DH looks horrified. He is not a practical man. He thinks he will slice one of my toes off. He might do.

I’d try some yoga first. You should be able to reach at 51.

I know this is light hearted (and it is funny), but if at 51 you don't have a physical disability and can't cut your toenails, I'd think pretty seriously about taking up yoga. You have a lot more years of declining flexibility in front of you.

Adding that I'm very fit, but have never been hugely flexible, so I do take seriously trying to maximise that. I could never at any age have nibbled on them, but I'm 62 and have no problem reaching my toenails, although much prefer a professional pedicure 🤗

I'm 50 and weirdly struggle with one side.

I'm right handed so I can cross my left leg up on my lap which makes that foot easier but the right foot is more tricky.

I used an electric nail file rather then scissors for mine now but you do need to careful to stay away from the skin.

Off to google long handled scissors!

It is the perfect reason for a regular pedicure with beautifully shaped and painted toenails.

(Your DH may prefer unpainted...)

I'm relieved to hear it's not just me!

I can reach my toenails fine, I just can't see the fuckers properly. I use clippers and do mine by feel: I put the clippers over the toenail and check that it's not touching my actual toe before I press the clippers down.

I looked into getting them done at a podiatrist and they wanted £18 to do it.

DH has been doing mine for years…since I had an ACL reconstruction and my leg doesn’t bend the way it used to. He’s actually quite good at it, and does a better job of applying nail polish neatly than I ever did.

I’m 59 and have just tested that I would still be able to bite the toenails of my left foot, but not my right. This is probably the shove I need to start doing yoga again.

I use clippers and my varifocals - I’d surely hack off something important with long handled scissors. I certainly wouldn’t trust DH!

Superdrug for long-handled scissors.

I'm 70 and can reach to cut mine perfectly fine. It's an eyesight issue, not a flexibility issue.

I love having my toenails done at the chiropodists ,they can check for any problems and my feet feel wonderful. It is worth paying for.

I think the solution is that you and your DH cut each others toenails. You could make it a bonding experience.

I do however understand your pain. Weirdly I can reach 1 foot ok but not the other. I have to use clippers and stretch and clip and hope for the best.