Is it True That You Lose Height with Age?
Undoubtedly, people tend to become shorter over the years.
After the age of 40, adults typically drop roughly 1 cm of height per decade. Men experience an annual height reduction between 0.08% and 0.1%. Females generally shed between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
What Causes Height Loss
Part of this decrease results from increasingly slumped posture as we age. Individuals who adopt a curved spinal position over long durations – possibly during desk work – could find their spine gradually adapts that hunched shape.
We all decrease in height from start to end of day while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes of Height Loss
The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level.
Between ages 30-35, growth ceases as bone and muscle mass begin to diminish. The spinal cushions separating our spinal bones shed water and start contracting.
The lattice-like center in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs becomes less dense. When this happens, the structure compact marginally and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass additionally affects our height: bones maintain their form and size via muscle force.
Ways to Slow Shrinking?
While this process isn't stoppable, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods high in calcium and D vitamins, engaging in regular resistance training while limiting smoking and drinking starting in early adulthood can decrease the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Practicing good alignment helps prevent acceleration of stature loss.
Is Getting Shorter Always Problematic?
Losing some height could be normal.
But, considerable skeletal and muscular decline with aging connects to persistent health problems such as heart complications, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and physical limitations.
Thus, it's worthwhile to take preventive measures to maintain bone and muscle health.
