Is it True That You Lose Height with Age?
Definitely, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
From age 40 onward, humans generally lose approximately one centimeter of height per decade. Males see a yearly decrease in height of 0.08-0.1%. Females generally shed 0.12-0.14% per year.
What Causes Height Loss
Some of this reduction stems from progressively poor posture as we age. Those who develop a curved spinal position for extended periods – maybe at their workstation – may discover their back slowly conforms that hunched shape.
Everyone loses vertical stature between morning and evening when gravitational force squeezes fluid from spinal discs.
The Biological Process of Height Loss
The change in our stature happens on a cellular scale.
From 30 to 35 years old, height stabilizes as bone and muscle mass gradually reduce. The spinal cushions within our backbone become dehydrated and start contracting.
The porous interior of spinal, pelvic and leg bones loses density. During this process, the structure compact marginally and shortens.
Decreased muscle further impacts vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their shape and dimensions through muscular tension.
Ways to Slow Stature Reduction?
While this process cannot be halted, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, performing routine resistance training and avoiding tobacco and alcohol starting in early adulthood could slow the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Keeping correct spinal position offers additional safeguarding of stature loss.
Is Getting Shorter Always Problematic?
Losing some height may not be problematic.
However, substantial bone and muscle loss as we grow older connects to long-term medical issues including heart complications, osteoporosis, joint inflammation, and mobility challenges.
Therefore, it's valuable to take preventive measures for preserving bone and muscle health.