Is it True That You Get Shorter as You Age?
Undoubtedly, adults typically shrink with advancing age.
Once past 40, individuals commonly shed about a centimeter each decade. Men undergo height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% annually.
Factors Contributing to Height Loss
Part of this decrease is caused by progressively poor posture with aging. People who maintain a hunched back posture for extended periods – perhaps while working – may discover their back slowly conforms that curved alignment.
All people shed in height from start to end of day while gravity presses fluid from spinal discs.
Natural Mechanisms Behind Height Reduction
Height alteration takes place gradually.
From 30 to 35 years old, height stabilizes as our structural tissues start declining. The spinal cushions between our vertebrae become dehydrated and gradually compress.
The lattice-like center of spinal, pelvic and leg bones reduces in thickness. As this occurs, the bone compresses somewhat and shortens.
Decreased muscle further impacts vertical measurement: bones maintain their structure and measurements by muscular pressure.
Can We Prevent Height Loss?
Although this change isn't stoppable, the rate can be reduced.
Following nutrition high in calcium and D vitamins, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise and avoiding smoking and drinking beginning in youth may reduce the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Practicing good alignment also provides protection of stature loss.
Is Shrinking Stature Always Problematic?
Experiencing minor reduction may not be problematic.
Yet, significant deterioration of structural tissues as we grow older associates with long-term medical issues including heart-related conditions, brittle bones, joint inflammation, and movement difficulties.
Thus, it's worthwhile to adopt safeguarding habits for preserving skeletal and muscular integrity.
