Fact or Fiction That You Get Shorter as You Age?
Without question, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
After the age of 40, adults typically drop about a centimeter each decade. Males see an annual height reduction of 0.08-0.1%. Females generally shed 0.12-0.14% annually.
Factors Contributing to Shrinking Stature
Some of this reduction stems from gradually worsening posture as we age. Individuals who adopt a curved spinal position over long durations – possibly during desk work – could find their posture naturally assumes to that position.
Everyone loses some height from start to end of day as gravity compresses fluid from spinal discs.
Natural Mechanisms Behind Height Reduction
Height alteration happens on a cellular scale.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes as our structural tissues start declining. The vertebral discs within our backbone lose hydration and gradually compress.
The porous interior of spinal, pelvic and leg bones becomes less dense. When this happens, the structure compact marginally reducing length.
Diminished muscle mass additionally affects our stature: the framework sustains their shape and dimensions via muscle force.
Ways to Slow Stature Reduction?
Although this change cannot be halted, the rate can be reduced.
Following nutrition containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, performing routine weight-bearing exercise while limiting smoking and drinking starting in early adulthood could slow the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Keeping correct spinal position helps prevent acceleration of stature loss.
Is Shrinking Stature Always Problematic?
Becoming slightly shorter could be normal.
However, substantial deterioration of structural tissues with aging links to persistent health problems like heart complications, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties.
Thus, it's worthwhile to take preventive measures for preserving structural tissue wellness.
