A large body of research confirms the importance of physical activity to overall health, especially as we get older. The latest US government recommendations for all adults (including those 65 and older) who generally are fit and have no limiting health conditions is, at the least, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking) every week and resistance training on two or more days a week. For many people, that’s daunting enough without adding foot problems to the mix.

Of course, any amount of physical activity is better than none, but with poor foot health, you may be less likely to engage in even a minimal amount of physical activity. The less you do, the less you can do. The result: loss of muscle mass and strength; reduced endurance; and higher risk of diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle, including diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.