Is it True That You Get Shorter with Age?
Without question, people tend to become shorter over the years.
From age 40 onward, humans generally lose about a centimeter of height per decade. Males see an annual height reduction of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
What Causes Height Loss
A portion of this loss results 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.
Everyone loses vertical stature throughout each day while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes of Height Loss
The change in our stature happens on a cellular scale.
From 30 to 35 years old, height stabilizes as our structural tissues gradually reduce. The cushioning discs within our backbone become dehydrated and gradually compress.
The porous interior throughout our skeletal framework becomes less dense. When this happens, the structure compact somewhat reducing length.
Decreased muscle also influences our height: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements via muscle force.
Ways to Slow Height Loss?
Although this change isn't stoppable, it can be slowed.
Following nutrition containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, performing routine strength-building activities and reducing tobacco and alcohol starting in early adulthood can decrease the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Keeping correct spinal position also provides protection of height reduction.
Is Shrinking Stature A Health Issue?
Losing some height may not be problematic.
Yet, significant bone and muscle loss with aging associates with chronic health conditions including heart-related conditions, bone density loss, arthritic conditions, and physical limitations.
Thus, it's worthwhile to take preventive measures to maintain structural tissue wellness.
