The Reality That Your Height Decreases as You Age?
Undoubtedly, people tend to become shorter over the years.
Once past 40, humans generally lose approximately one centimeter every ten years. Men undergo height loss each year between 0.08% and 0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% annually.
Factors Contributing to Decreasing Height
Part of this decrease stems from increasingly slumped posture as we age. People who maintain a stooped stance for extended periods â possibly during desk work â might notice their back slowly conforms that curved alignment.
Everyone loses some height from start to end of day as gravity compresses 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 within our backbone shed water and begin shrinking.
The honeycomb structure in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs loses density. When this happens, skeletal tissue condenses somewhat and shortens.
Decreased muscle further impacts our stature: the framework sustains their shape and dimensions through muscular tension.
Can We Prevent Height Loss?
Even though this transformation isn't stoppable, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, participating in consistent resistance training and reducing smoking and drinking starting in early adulthood could slow the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Keeping correct spinal position also provides protection of height reduction.
Is Getting Shorter Concerning?
Losing some height may not be problematic.
Yet, significant deterioration of structural tissues as we grow older links to persistent health problems including cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, joint inflammation, and mobility challenges.
Thus, it's worthwhile to implement protective strategies to maintain structural tissue wellness.
