Age takes its toll on feet
One would think that as you get older you continue with normality, but it is not like that. Many people develop foot and leg problems that prevent them from being active, and some become quite immobile. In my case, the pads under my feet have faded and it’s like walking on rocks if I’m not wearing the right shoes. This is something my father and brother have had issues with as well, so it may be genetic and age related.
In the case of my older sister, she has problems with her knees. That led to one replacement and the other one that should be replaced has been postponed. The effect is that she has little feeling in the joint and manages to land heavily when she swings. He put her in the hospital for three weeks while a pin was inserted to help the broken femur repair itself.
While many seniors are facing hip and knee replacements, there are stories that the bones may not last the distance. After all, we’ve passed our expiration date, which some claim is around 70 years.
This seems to have effects on other parts of the body as well. Although the rest of me is doing pretty well, my attendance at the gym helps me stay in shape. Half an hour on the bike is enough and then a ride around the local lake gives me extra exercise. There are also weight and stretching machines used, as well as physical therapy classes for heart and cardiovascular health.
If one can keep pace with movement instead of sitting, then things like immobility should be avoided. However, it depends on the individual how hard they want to push themselves, as many think that they need to vegetate in old age to make up for all the times they had to work when they were younger. That may sound like a good start, but it’s devastating to your feet and other parts of your body.