Is it True That Your Height Decreases with Age?
Definitely, people tend to become shorter with advancing age.
After the age of 40, humans generally lose approximately one centimeter of height per decade. Men undergo an annual height reduction of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% per year.
Reasons Behind Shrinking Stature
Part of this decrease results from increasingly slumped posture over time. Individuals who adopt a curved spinal position for extended periods – possibly during desk work – could find their back slowly conforms to that position.
We all decrease some height between morning and evening as gravity compresses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes of Height Loss
Our height transformation occurs at a microscopic level.
During the early thirties, height stabilizes as our structural tissues gradually reduce. The cushioning discs between our vertebrae shed water and start contracting.
The lattice-like center of spinal, pelvic and leg bones becomes less dense. As this occurs, skeletal tissue condenses marginally and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass further impacts vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their shape and dimensions through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Stature Reduction?
Although this change isn't stoppable, the rate can be reduced.
Eating foods containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, participating in consistent weight-bearing exercise while limiting smoking and drinking from younger adulthood may reduce the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Keeping correct spinal position also provides protection of stature loss.
Is Getting Shorter Always Problematic?
Becoming slightly shorter isn't necessarily harmful.
But, considerable deterioration of structural tissues in later years links to persistent health problems such as heart complications, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and mobility challenges.
Therefore, it's valuable to adopt safeguarding habits to maintain structural tissue wellness.
