Growing older brings many changes to the body, and your nails are no exception. While some nail changes are a normal part of ageing, others can signal an underlying health issue that shouldn't be ignored. Understanding what's normal—and what isn't—can help you take better care of your hands and feet and know when it's time to seek professional advice.

Good nail care is about more than appearance. Healthy nails can improve comfort, support mobility, reduce the risk of infection, and even provide clues about your overall health. For older adults, regular nail care is an important part of maintaining independence and wellbeing.

Why Nail Care Matters as You Age

Healthy nails make everyday activities easier, from walking comfortably to buttoning a shirt or opening containers. As we age, reduced flexibility, poorer eyesight, arthritis, and slower nail growth can make it harder to care for our own nails safely.

Regular nail care can help:

• Prevent painful ingrown toenails

• Reduce the risk of fungal infections

• Improve comfort when walking

• Detect nail changes early

• Support foot health and independence

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping nails clean, trimmed and moisturised while avoiding aggressive cutting or digging around the nail edges to help reduce the risk of injury and infection. 

1. Thickened Nails

As nails grow more slowly with age, toenails often become thicker over time. While this is usually a normal part of ageing, fungal infections and some skin conditions can also cause thickening.

If thick nails become painful, difficult to trim, crumbly or change colour, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

2. Brittle or Splitting Nails

Have your nails started cracking or peeling more easily?

Brittle nails are another common age-related change.

Possible reasons include:

• Reduced natural moisture in the nails

• Frequent exposure to water or cleaning products

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Certain medical conditions

Keeping nails moisturised and avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can help reduce brittleness.

3. Yellow or Discoloured Nails

A slight yellow tint can occur naturally with age, but more noticeable discolouration shouldn't always be ignored.

Possible causes include:

• Fungal nail infections

• Smoking

• Previous nail trauma

• Certain medications

• Rarely, underlying medical conditions

If only one nail suddenly changes colour or becomes painful, it's important to seek professional assessment rather than assuming it's simply ageing.

4. Ridges Along the Nail

Many people notice vertical ridges developing as they get older.

These raised lines usually run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail and are considered a normal part of ageing.

However, deep grooves, horizontal lines, or sudden changes affecting multiple nails may indicate illness or nutritional concerns and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

5. Curved or Ingrown Toenails

Toenails may become more curved or begin growing into the surrounding skin over time.

This can happen because of:

• Years of pressure from footwear

• Changes in foot shape

• Reduced ability to trim nails properly

• Arthritis or limited mobility

Ingrown toenails can become painful and increase the risk of infection, particularly in older adults living with diabetes or poor circulation.

Professional nail care can help manage these problems safely without causing additional injury.

When Nail Changes Could Be a Sign of Something More

While many nail changes are harmless, others deserve medical attention. Looking after your nails doesn't have to be complicated. The National Health Service recommends keeping nails clean, trimming them regularly, wearing properly fitting footwear, and seeking advice if you notice persistent or unusual nail changes.

Speak with your GP or healthcare provider if you notice:

• Sudden dark streaks or black lines

• Nails lifting away from the nail bed

• Persistent pain or swelling

• Pus or signs of infection

• Rapid changes affecting multiple nails

• Bleeding around the nail

According to MedlinePlus, slower nail growth and changes such as thickening and vertical ridges are common with ageing. However, new or rapidly changing nail abnormalities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. 

Simple Nail Care Tips for Older Adults

Healthy nails don't require complicated routines. A few consistent habits can make a significant difference.

• Trim nails straight across using appropriate nail clippers.

• File rough edges gently to prevent snagging.

• Keep nails clean and dry.

• Moisturise your hands, feet and cuticles regularly.

• Wear properly fitting footwear.

• Avoid cutting nails too short.

• Never ignore persistent pain or changes in colour.

• Seek professional assistance if nails become difficult to manage.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, simple habits such as trimming nails properly, keeping them clean and using clean nail tools can help maintain healthy nails and reduce the risk of infection. 

Nail Care Is Especially Important for People with Diabetes

For older adults living with diabetes, even minor nail problems can become serious if left untreated. Reduced sensation, slower healing and changes in circulation increase the risk of complications.

If you'd like to learn more, read our previous blog: Why Nail Care Is Important for Seniors with Diabetes

Regular professional nail care can help identify problems early before they become painful or affect mobility.

How Summit Health Solutions Can Help

Looking after your nails becomes more challenging as we age, but it doesn't have to be.

At Summit Health Solutions, our Nail Care Therapy service is designed specifically for older adults. Our experienced team provides safe, professional nail care to help keep your nails healthy, comfortable and easy to manage.

Whether you're finding it difficult to trim thick toenails, experiencing discomfort, or simply want help maintaining healthy feet, we're here to support your independence and wellbeing.

Our focus isn't just on treating nail problems—it's on helping you stay comfortable, mobile and confident in your everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are thick toenails normal as you get older?

Yes. Thickened toenails are common with ageing because nail growth slows over time and years of pressure can cause the nail to become thicker. However, pain, discolouration or crumbling may indicate a fungal infection or another condition that should be assessed.

2. How often should seniors trim their nails?

Most people benefit from trimming their nails every four to eight weeks, although this varies depending on how quickly their nails grow. Thickened nails may require professional care.

3. When should I see someone about a nail problem?

Seek professional advice if your nails become painful, swollen, infected, suddenly change colour, lift away from the nail bed, or become difficult to manage safely.

4. Can poor nail care affect walking?

Yes. Thick, painful or ingrown toenails can make walking uncomfortable, alter your gait and increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.

5. Why choose professional nail care?

Professional nail care helps keep nails healthy while reducing the risk of injury, infection and complications. It's particularly beneficial for older adults with limited mobility, arthritis, diabetes or reduced vision.

Healthy nails are an often-overlooked part of healthy ageing. While many nail changes are a normal part of getting older, recognising what's typical—and what may require further assessment—can help prevent discomfort and more serious complications.

By practising regular nail care and seeking professional support when needed, you can keep your hands and feet healthy for years to come.