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?!

I used to be able to CHEW my toenails. I was sort of proud of myself.
Yep, me too. And now I can see my feet and touch my feet, but scissors or nail clippers near my toes - in focus - nope.
I can file them though.
Buy a good quality nail file (I've got a glass one that is supposed to last forever) and just "sand" them down every few days.

No toes lost yet!

It is definitely more the focus, rather than reaching (I've been trying it out).

I am going to try reading glasses next time...

I’m actually old and can’t cut them myself. Podiatrist is £50 a time. Dunno what to

That is a good tip - I do a LOT of filing in bed now! Not a very glam view for DH when he walks in and sees me in that position with my nightie around my waist.

Good reason to go and have a lovely pedicure, really. And it never hurts to look after your foot health - which, as you're finding it harder now (could be lower back or hip issues affecting it as well), actually makes it as justifiable an expense as a dental check up, eye test or prescription charge.

After all, if you can't reach and can't see, you're less likely to be able to notice changes or problems starting, such as reduced sensation, corns, calluses or bunions forming or an infection in a tiny cut or scratch.

The OP specifically said she couldn't reach them or see them. I don't have advice for the eyesight issue, but I did for the flexibility one.

I’d use it as an excuse to treat myself to a monthly pedicure if I were you

They (mine and yours) have probably seen worse, tbh.
😳😁

I am not particularly fit, have reading glasses and computer glasses, but I just put my foot up on the side of the bath and bend a bit, seems the perfect distance for my computer glasses.

I use toe nail cutters as opposed to the smaller finger nail cutters, they're too flimsy.

I hate clipping my toenails. The podiatrist is king for this along with callus removal.

At just 51, you should not be this inflexible.

Don’t assume this is just part of aging and accept it. Honestly, you should start doing exercises to regain it. It’s crucial to keep flexible to reduce the risk of injuries. It improves balance, coordination, mobility and strength.

Having tried this properly, it's not so much that I can't reach, it's just that I can't bring them RIGHT UP TO MY FACE which is the only place they are in focus. I used to be able to do that but can no longer.

Great excuse for a regular pedicure!

Do each others- he can clip yours and you do his! Simple solution!

My toenails don't grow. I could physically cut mine, but have never ever had to. My flexibility is redundant .
Irrelevant, I know!

This made me laugh. I'm lifelong inflexible but fairly fit (a phisio once said I was one of the most inflexible people he'd ever treated). I'm also a decade or so older than you @Goldfsh. I can't use varifocals because of an eye issue.

With contortions I can reach my toes ok, but have to use the computer glasses rather than the reading glasses.

So many glasses! That's what makes me feel old.

I'm 67 and have been wearing my reading glasses to cut both sets of nails for years now. I have no trouble bending and reaching, just can't see clearly without my readers!

Agree with everyone about yoga. I never realised how inflexible I was and how much it helped. ( would still rather sit in the sofa doom scrolling- but I make myself go to class twice a week).

For me, I realised a lot of my middle aged inflexibility came from simply not sitting on the floor anymore - when i was in my 20’s i used to watch telly sat on the floor as it was more comfy than our crappy sofas, my 30’s were spent playing with kids on the floor, 40’s spent sat in upgraded comfy chairs and as a result in my 50’s any sat/bending tasks like toe nails became tricky. I started sitting on the floor, and getting up with no hands a couple of times a day and flexibility is much improved! My eyes still mostly work, but I expect I’ll need glasses at some point…But getting old sucks, it really does!

At your age I'd be worried if I could cut my own toenails. I don't think that is normal, varifocal or not.

Am in my 50's, I sit on the floor crossed legged and cut them, putting each foot higher as I go.
But, deffo got to the age when can only cut them after a soak in the tub!

Say what?! :-)

Another one here relieved it's not just me.

I can reach my toes just fine (I am supple enough I can actually suck my big toes if I wanted to) but in any position where I can operate the nail scissors at the right angle I can't see them - either my leg is in the way, or they're too far for reading glasses but too close for natural eyesight with normal indoor lighting levels.

It's better in the summer, but in winter I have to get someone to point a massive hand-held searchlight at my feet.

It's true...never cut them.

Thank you for this! I can’t remember where or when but I did read something about sitting on the floor and flexibility.

I have just moved myself from the sofa to sitting crossed legged on the floor. The dog can’t believe his luck!