The Ben Azadi Show Your Feet Can Predict How Long You’ll Live -The Shocking Science of Walking Speed, Balance, Collagen Decline, and Mortality Risk With Ben Azadi | #1266
Mar 5, 2026
They explore surprising research that links walking speed, balance and foot health to longevity. Short, practical self-tests like a 10-second balance check are explained. The conversation highlights collagen decline, connective tissue, and simple nutrition and supplement strategies to support movement. Mobility, fall risk, and links to insulin resistance and visceral fat are discussed.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Falls Link Foot Health To Mortality
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults and are driven by weakened foot structure and mobility loss.
- Ben links foot structural decline to increased fall risk, which then raises mortality and loss of independence.
Check For First Step Heel Pain
- Do check for chronic heel or arch pain such as morning first-step pain as a warning sign of plantar fascia degeneration.
- Morning stiffness and first-step pain indicate plantar fascia microtears from collagen decline and need intervention.
Use Cracked Heels As An Aging Marker
- Do inspect skin on your heels for cracking and thinning as an external marker of systemic collagen decline.
- Ben notes collagen drops ~1% yearly after 30 and accelerates after menopause, making heels a visible aging sign.