Middle Age Quiz: What doesn't shrink as people age?

"What doesn't shrink as people age?"

Feet.

As we age, our feet enlarge or more accurately they flatten. The tendons and ligaments in our feet lose some of their elasticity and don't hold the bones and joints together as well as they did when we were young.

Gravity gradually overwhelms the older, less resilient ligaments in the weight-bearing feet but not in the free-floating hands. It also squeezes fluid from leaky veins in the lower extremities, contributing to swelling.

Looser tendons and ligaments mean more than the need for bigger shoes. As the front of the foot widens and the arch lowers, the foot becomes not only longer but more flexible and flatter, letting the ankle roll inward and increasing the chance for sprains,...

Our feet also become less padded as the fat pads that cushion the bottom of the feet begin to thin out from the constant force of bearing weight all those years.

As our middle age feet become wider, longer and less padded, a number of problems can result including plantar fasciitis--a painful tearing of a tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot. Other aging afflictions such as "osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis can pester joints and bones of the feet as well."

And how does the typical person respond to the changes in their feet? By ignoring them. A study quoted in the Los Angeles Times found that only 25% of patients at a veteran's affairs hospital were wearing the correct size shoes. One theory why is that people simply memorize their shoe size early in life and never think that it might have changed.

According to podiatrists the best course of action is proper shoes--both in terms of sizing and cushioning & support. Exercise (especially weigh-bearing) & stretching (especially the calf muscles) are important as well.