Fact or Fiction That You Get Shorter Over Time?
Undoubtedly, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
Once past 40, individuals commonly shed about a centimeter every ten years. Males see height loss each year between 0.08% and 0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% annually.
What Causes Shrinking Stature
A portion of this loss results from gradually worsening posture as we age. Individuals who adopt a hunched back posture for extended periods – possibly during desk work – could find their spine gradually adapts to that position.
We all decrease vertical stature between morning and evening while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes of Height Loss
The change in our stature happens on a cellular scale.
Between ages 30-35, growth ceases when skeletal and muscular tissue begin to diminish. The cushioning discs within our backbone lose hydration and begin shrinking.
The porous interior in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs reduces in thickness. When this happens, the bone compresses somewhat reducing length.
Diminished muscle mass also influences vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Height Loss?
Even though this transformation cannot be halted, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods high in calcium and D vitamins, engaging in regular strength-building activities and reducing tobacco and alcohol from younger adulthood can decrease how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Practicing good alignment helps prevent acceleration of stature loss.
Is Shrinking Stature A Health Issue?
Becoming slightly shorter may not be problematic.
However, substantial skeletal and muscular decline with aging links to chronic health conditions like heart-related conditions, bone density loss, joint inflammation, and movement difficulties.
Consequently, it's beneficial to implement protective strategies to support skeletal and muscular integrity.
