Since the foot bone is connected to the shin bone and so on, foot problems can translate into problems throughout the body. Like the rest of your body, your feet change as you grow older. Beginning at age 50, feet may become flatter and broader, requiring at least one shoe size wider. The padding on the bottom of the foot may erode, causing pain in the heel or ball of the foot. The skin loses some of its elasticity and natural oils, increasing the risk of infection.
Circulation tends to diminish, causing cold feet and numbness.