Fact or Fiction That Your Height Decreases as You Age?
Without question, individuals often lose height as they grow older.
After the age of 40, humans generally lose about a centimeter every ten years. Men undergo an annual height reduction between 0.08% and 0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% per year.
Factors Contributing to Shrinking Stature
Part of this decrease results from gradually worsening posture as we age. Those who develop a hunched back posture throughout the day – possibly during desk work – might notice their back slowly conforms to that position.
We all decrease some height throughout each day as gravity compresses moisture from vertebral discs.
Physical Changes Behind Height Reduction
The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level.
From 30 to 35 years old, stature plateaus as our structural tissues start declining. The cushioning discs separating our spinal bones become dehydrated and begin shrinking.
The lattice-like center throughout our skeletal framework becomes less dense. As this occurs, skeletal tissue condenses somewhat and shortens.
Reduced muscular tissue also influences vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements via muscle force.
Can We Prevent Stature Reduction?
While this process cannot be halted, the rate can be reduced.
Following nutrition rich in calcium and vitamin D, participating in consistent resistance training while limiting nicotine and alcohol starting in early adulthood could slow how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Practicing good alignment offers additional safeguarding of height reduction.
Is Shrinking Stature Concerning?
Becoming slightly shorter may not be problematic.
But, considerable skeletal and muscular decline as we grow older associates with chronic health conditions including heart-related conditions, bone density loss, arthritic conditions, and mobility challenges.
Thus, it's worthwhile to adopt safeguarding habits for preserving skeletal and muscular integrity.
