The Hidden Source of Aging No One’s Talking About.

When we think about what causes us to age—stiff joints, slow movement, decreased confidence—we tend to focus on things like stress, hormones, or nutrition. Rarely do we pause to consider something even more foundational: our feet—the very structures that strike the Earth with every step and quietly influence how we move through life.

Most people don’t realize just how much foot function affects everything from posture and mobility to confidence and independence. But the truth is, if you’re not walking well, your ability to age well is already being compromised.

Over the past few years—through personal experience, client care, and close observation—one thing has become undeniably clear: a slow breakdown in foot mobility is one of the earliest indicators of long-term health decline. And yet, most people don’t notice it until it’s already caused ripple effects up the kinetic chain and into the knees, hips, spine, and shoulders.

Why Feet Matter More Than You Think

Loss of foot mobility is probably aging you more than any other single factor in your body. When your feet stop moving well, you stop walking well. And when walking breaks down, so does the body's ability to transfer force, activate the right muscles, and maintain dynamic balance. It’s a domino effect. No toe-off means your glutes don’t fire, your hips get stiff, your posture compensates, and your spine and core lose support. You begin to rely on momentum instead of muscular engagement. Your body starts hobbling through the world instead of moving through it with ease.

A simple way to check where you stand? Try skipping.

Yes, skipping.

Most adults either haven’t done it in decades—or can’t do it well anymore. But skipping is one of the best tests of foot function and whole-body force transfer. If skipping feels awkward, uncoordinated, or downright impossible, that’s a clear sign that your foundation (aka your feet) may not be doing their job.

What’s Making Our Feet Dysfunctional?

One of the biggest culprits? Shoes.

Most modern shoes restrict foot function. Between excessive cushioning, narrow toe boxes, heel lifts, and rigid soles, we’ve essentially wrapped our feet in soft casts that disconnect them from the ground. We mistake comfort for health, but the reality is that comfortable shoes often prevent our feet from engaging at all.

High heels or even slight heel rises push your body forward, creating knee, hip, and spine stress.

Narrow toe boxes squash the toes, reduce balance, and limit range of motion.

Arch supports prevent the intrinsic muscles of the feet from activating.

Cushioned soles dampen proprioception—the brain’s ability to sense where your feet are in space.

You may be walking on clouds, but the rest of your body is paying for it.

The Silent Saboteurs of Movement

This might surprise you, but certain commonly prescribed medications can silently impair your mobility and increase your fall risk. Three major classes stand out:

1. Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): Medications like Zoloft, Prozac, Cymbalta, or Effexor can affect coordination, dull proprioception, and change gait patterns—sometimes without the person even noticing. They can also lower blood pressure and slow reaction times, leading to flat-footed walking and reduced toe-off.

2. Statins (Cholesterol-lowering drugs): These can cause muscle weakness or nerve-related symptoms in the legs and feet. People on statins often experience fatigue, decreased stride length, and a subtle loss of foot engagement over time.

3. Other Common Meds: Beta blockers can reduce energy and responsiveness. Benzodiazepines affect balance and alertness. Long-term PPI use can lead to nutrient deficiencies that affect nerve and muscle function. And when these medications are combined, the effects are amplified.

Isn’t it strange that no one’s really talking about how these prescriptions affect the way we move?

The Overlooked Foundation of Care

In most healthcare and rehab settings, the feet are simply overlooked. Doctors are trained to diagnose, prescribe, or refer. Podiatrists often focus on structural support or pain management. Physical therapists prioritize strength and stability in larger muscle groups like the hips and core. And while all of that matters—it often skips the base of it all.

Your feet aren’t just along for the ride. They are your body’s first point of contact with the ground. They influence every step, every shift in balance, every chain reaction up your skeleton. And yet, we’re rarely taught how to move our feet well—let alone how to keep them strong and mobile for life.

This piece has been missing from the conversation for far too long. And now, we have the chance to bring it to light.

So What Can You Do?

The good news? You can retrain your feet. Even if you’ve been wearing stiff shoes or taking medication for years, your body is adaptable. It just needs the right input.

Start small. Get barefoot more often. Try toe spacers. Add mobility and strength exercises to your routine. Walk on uneven terrain. Try skipping.

And most importantly: stay curious about your body. Don’t wait for a fall or a decline to get your attention.

I’ll be hosting a local workshop called Fall Prevention Starts in Your Feet, where I’ll walk you through the education, movement practices, and screenings you can use to regain connection to your body. It’s a low-pressure, interactive experience where you’ll leave with tools, insight, and a deeper sense of what’s really going on beneath you. See below for details.

If you’re starting to feel off, disconnected, or unsure on your feet—this workshop might be the moment that changes your relationship with your body forever.

Because your feet? They’re not just the end of the kinetic chain. They’re the beginning of everything. When your feet move better, you feel younger—more stable, more confident, more connected to life.

Want to Go Deeper?

Most of us want to show up more authentically—but the path can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you sort through all the noise?

That’s why I created How to Human. It’s a framework for returning to yourself—one grounded step at a time. If you’re ready for a structured, compassionate, body-led journey back to your truth, this is your invitation.

Learn more about How to Human.