Fact or Fiction That You Lose Height as You Age?
Without question, adults typically shrink over the years.
Once past 40, humans generally lose approximately one centimeter every ten years. Men experience height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% annually.
Factors Contributing to Shrinking Stature
Part of this decrease stems from gradually worsening posture with aging. Individuals who adopt a hunched back posture for extended periods – perhaps while working – may discover their spine gradually adapts that curved alignment.
Everyone loses some height between morning and evening while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes Explaining Shrinking
The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level.
From 30 to 35 years old, stature plateaus when skeletal and muscular tissue start declining. The vertebral discs within our backbone lose hydration and gradually compress.
The porous interior in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs loses density. During this process, the structure compact slightly becoming shorter.
Reduced muscular tissue additionally affects our height: skeletal structures preserve their shape and dimensions via muscle force.
Is It Possible to Stop Stature Reduction?
While this process cannot be halted, it can be slowed.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular resistance training and reducing smoking and drinking from younger adulthood could slow how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Keeping correct spinal position helps prevent acceleration of stature loss.
Is Shrinking Stature Always Problematic?
Becoming slightly shorter could be normal.
However, substantial skeletal and muscular decline with aging links to long-term medical issues including cardiovascular issues, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and physical limitations.
Consequently, it's beneficial to take preventive measures to support skeletal and muscular integrity.
