Is it True That You Lose Height with Age?
Undoubtedly, adults typically shrink over the years.
Once past 40, adults typically drop roughly 1 cm of height per decade. Males see an annual height reduction between 0.08% and 0.1%. Females generally shed 0.12-0.14% annually.
What Causes Shrinking Stature
Part of this decrease stems from increasingly slumped posture as we age. Individuals who adopt a curved spinal position for extended periods – perhaps while working – could find their back slowly conforms that hunched shape.
All people shed some height throughout each day as gravity compresses moisture from vertebral discs.
The Biological Process Explaining Shrinking
Our height transformation takes place gradually.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes as bone and muscle mass begin to diminish. The spinal cushions between our vertebrae shed water and start contracting.
The honeycomb structure throughout our skeletal framework reduces in thickness. During this process, the structure compact somewhat and shortens.
Reduced muscular tissue further impacts our height: skeletal structures preserve their form and size through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Stature Reduction?
While this process can't be prevented, it can be slowed.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular strength-building activities and avoiding tobacco and alcohol from younger adulthood could slow the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Maintaining proper posture also provides protection of stature loss.
Is Getting Shorter A Health Issue?
Losing some height could be normal.
But, considerable deterioration of structural tissues as we grow older associates with long-term medical issues like heart-related conditions, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and mobility challenges.
Thus, it's worthwhile to implement protective strategies to support bone and muscle health.
