Fact or Fiction That Your Height Decreases Over Time?
Without question, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
From age 40 onward, humans generally lose about a centimeter of height per decade. Men experience an annual height reduction of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
Reasons Behind Decreasing Height
A portion of this loss results from increasingly slumped posture as we age. Individuals who adopt a stooped stance throughout the day – perhaps while working – might notice their spine gradually adapts to that position.
All people shed vertical stature between morning and evening while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Physical Changes Behind Height Reduction
Height alteration takes place gradually.
Between ages 30-35, growth ceases as bone and muscle mass start declining. The cushioning discs within our backbone lose hydration and gradually compress.
The lattice-like center of spinal, pelvic and leg bones becomes less dense. As this occurs, the bone compresses slightly reducing length.
Reduced muscular tissue further impacts our height: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements by muscular pressure.
Can We Prevent Shrinking?
While this process isn't stoppable, it can be slowed.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, participating in consistent strength-building activities and avoiding smoking and drinking from younger adulthood could slow the rate of bone and muscle loss.
Maintaining proper posture helps prevent acceleration against shrinking.
Is Height Loss Concerning?
Becoming slightly shorter may not be problematic.
Yet, significant bone and muscle loss as we grow older associates with chronic health conditions including cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties.
Consequently, it's beneficial to take preventive measures for preserving bone and muscle health.
