Ready for winter: Gothenburg hands out free ice cleats to citizens over 65

Prevention is better than treatment, and this move can save many subsequent hospitalization cases due to slips and falls

Gothenburg City has announced that, as part of its upcoming winter preparations, it intends to send all its residents aged above 65 free ice cleats – devices which can be attached to the shoe soles in order to prevent slipping and falling in winter conditions.

What’s more, the residents will have the choice between two different models of ice cleats – a full-foot one and a heel one. Even better, senior citizens don’t even have to go anywhere to claim these devices, they will receive an offer for their choice by mail sent to their home.

Better safe than sorry

We are heading towards colder times, and it won't be long before the treacherous sleet is here. Then a pair of spikes on the shoes can come in handy. In Gothenburg, 6,256 people who are or will be 65 years old in 2022 will receive an offer of free ice cleats.

The Swedish city started handing out free shoe crampons to 65-year-olds back in 2013. After a break in 2019, the offer came back in 2020. About half of the eligible seniors order the cleats.

“Spikes are beneficial for the individual who can move more safely outdoors and avoid the suffering of fall accidents, and also from a societal perspective because spikes can save on the cost of care in connection with the accident and also afterwards,” says Andrea Fridlizius, development manager for the elderly and the health and care administration.

The offers will arrive in the mailboxes on 13 and 14 October. The shoe studs are ordered with a personal value code, either via a website or by calling the supplier's customer service. The offer is valid between 15 October and 15 December.