Is it True That Your Height Decreases as You Age?
Undoubtedly, people tend to become shorter as they grow older.
After the age of 40, adults typically drop about a centimeter of height per decade. Males see height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Females generally shed 0.12-0.14% per year.
What Causes Height Loss
Some of this reduction stems from gradually worsening posture with aging. People who maintain a stooped stance throughout the day – perhaps while working – might notice their spine gradually adapts to that position.
We all decrease some height from start to end of day as gravity compresses fluid from spinal discs.
The Biological Process of Height Loss
The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes as our structural tissues begin to diminish. The vertebral discs separating our spinal bones become dehydrated and gradually compress.
The porous interior in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs becomes less dense. As this occurs, the bone compresses somewhat becoming shorter.
Reduced muscular tissue also influences vertical measurement: the framework sustains their shape and dimensions through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Shrinking?
Although this change cannot be halted, the rate can be reduced.
Consuming a diet high in calcium and D vitamins, performing routine weight-bearing exercise and avoiding smoking and drinking starting in early adulthood may reduce the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Practicing good alignment also provides protection against shrinking.
Is Getting Shorter A Health Issue?
Losing some height may not be problematic.
However, substantial deterioration of structural tissues in later years connects to long-term medical issues including heart complications, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and physical limitations.
Thus, it's worthwhile to implement protective strategies to support skeletal and muscular integrity.
