Is it True That You Get Shorter Over Time?
Undoubtedly, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
Once past 40, individuals commonly shed approximately one centimeter of height per decade. Men experience a yearly decrease in height around 0.08% to 0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% annually.
What Causes Shrinking Stature
Part of this decrease results from increasingly slumped posture as we age. Those who develop a curved spinal position for extended periods – perhaps while working – may discover their back slowly conforms to that position.
We all decrease in height throughout each day when gravitational force squeezes moisture from vertebral discs.
Natural Mechanisms of Height Loss
Our height transformation happens on a cellular scale.
Between ages 30-35, growth ceases as our structural tissues gradually reduce. The cushioning discs between our vertebrae become dehydrated and start contracting.
The lattice-like center of spinal, pelvic and leg bones becomes less dense. As this occurs, the bone compresses somewhat and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass also influences our height: bones maintain their shape and dimensions through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Stature Reduction?
Although this change isn't stoppable, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods high in calcium and D vitamins, participating in consistent weight-bearing exercise while limiting nicotine and alcohol beginning in youth could slow how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Practicing good alignment offers additional safeguarding against shrinking.
Is Getting Shorter Concerning?
Losing some height may not be problematic.
But, considerable skeletal and muscular decline in later years links to persistent health problems including heart complications, bone density loss, joint inflammation, and movement difficulties.
Consequently, it's beneficial to adopt safeguarding habits to support structural tissue wellness.