Fact or Fiction That You Lose Height with Age?
Undoubtedly, adults typically shrink as they grow older.
From age 40 onward, adults typically drop about a centimeter each decade. Men undergo a yearly decrease in height of 0.08-0.1%. Women often experience between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
Factors Contributing to Height Loss
Some of this reduction results from progressively poor posture as we age. People who maintain a hunched back posture over long durations – maybe at their workstation – might notice their back slowly conforms to that position.
All people shed some height from start to end of day when gravitational force squeezes fluid from spinal discs.
The Biological Process Explaining Shrinking
Height alteration occurs at a microscopic level.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes when skeletal and muscular tissue gradually reduce. The cushioning discs separating our spinal bones become dehydrated and begin shrinking.
The lattice-like center in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs reduces in thickness. When this happens, the structure compact marginally reducing length.
Reduced muscular tissue additionally affects vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements through muscular tension.
Can We Prevent Shrinking?
While this process cannot be halted, the progression can be delayed.
Consuming a diet high in calcium and D vitamins, participating in consistent weight-bearing exercise and reducing nicotine and alcohol beginning in youth could slow how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Maintaining proper posture offers additional safeguarding against shrinking.
Is Shrinking Stature A Health Issue?
Experiencing minor reduction may not be problematic.
Yet, significant bone and muscle loss as we grow older associates with long-term medical issues like heart-related conditions, brittle bones, arthritic conditions, and physical limitations.
Therefore, it's valuable to implement protective strategies to maintain bone and muscle health.
