Is it True That You Lose Height as You Age?
Without question, adults typically shrink with advancing age.
Once past 40, individuals commonly shed approximately one centimeter each decade. Men undergo height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% per year.
What Causes Shrinking Stature
Some of this reduction stems from progressively poor posture with aging. Those who develop a curved spinal position throughout the day – maybe at their workstation – could find their posture naturally assumes to that position.
Everyone loses in height throughout each day when gravitational force squeezes moisture from vertebral discs.
The Biological Process of Height Loss
Height alteration takes place gradually.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes as bone and muscle mass begin to diminish. The spinal cushions 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, skeletal tissue condenses marginally becoming shorter.
Diminished muscle mass additionally affects vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their form and size by muscular pressure.
Can We Prevent Height Loss?
Although this change isn't stoppable, the rate can be reduced.
Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular strength-building activities while limiting smoking and drinking from younger adulthood could slow the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Practicing good alignment offers additional safeguarding against shrinking.
Is Height Loss Concerning?
Experiencing minor reduction may not be problematic.
Yet, significant skeletal and muscular decline with aging links to long-term medical issues such as heart-related conditions, bone density loss, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties.
Consequently, it's beneficial to take preventive measures for preserving bone and muscle health.
