The Reality That Your Height Decreases with Age?
Undoubtedly, adults typically shrink with advancing age.
Once past 40, individuals commonly shed about a centimeter every ten years. Men experience a yearly decrease in height around 0.08% to 0.1%. Women often experience between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
Factors Contributing to Shrinking Stature
Some of this reduction stems from progressively poor posture over time. Those who develop a curved spinal position over long durations – maybe at their workstation – may discover their back slowly conforms that curved alignment.
We all decrease vertical stature between morning and evening when gravitational force squeezes fluid from spinal discs.
The Biological Process Explaining Shrinking
Height alteration takes place gradually.
From 30 to 35 years old, growth ceases as bone and muscle mass begin to diminish. The vertebral discs between our vertebrae become dehydrated and begin shrinking.
The honeycomb structure of spinal, pelvic and leg bones becomes less dense. During this process, the structure compact slightly and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass additionally affects our stature: bones maintain their structure and measurements by muscular pressure.
Ways to Slow Shrinking?
Although this change can't be prevented, the progression can be delayed.
Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, participating in consistent resistance training and reducing smoking and drinking from younger adulthood can decrease the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Keeping correct spinal position also provides protection against shrinking.
Is Shrinking Stature Concerning?
Becoming slightly shorter isn't necessarily harmful.
However, substantial bone and muscle loss in later years associates with chronic health conditions including cardiovascular issues, bone density loss, arthritic conditions, and physical limitations.
Consequently, it's beneficial to implement protective strategies to support structural tissue wellness.
