Is it True That You Get Shorter Over Time?
Without question, individuals often lose height over the years.
Once past 40, adults typically drop roughly 1 cm every ten years. Males see height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% per year.
What Causes Shrinking Stature
A portion of this loss is caused by gradually worsening posture over time. Those who develop a stooped stance for extended periods – maybe at their workstation – might notice their spine gradually adapts to that position.
We all decrease in height from start to end of day while gravity presses water from intervertebral discs.
Natural Mechanisms Explaining Shrinking
Height alteration happens on a cellular scale.
From 30 to 35 years old, height stabilizes as our structural tissues gradually reduce. The spinal cushions between our vertebrae become dehydrated and gradually compress.
The porous interior of spinal, pelvic and leg bones reduces in thickness. When this happens, the structure compact marginally becoming shorter.
Diminished muscle mass further impacts our stature: the framework sustains their form and size by muscular pressure.
Ways to Slow Height Loss?
While this process can't be prevented, the progression can be delayed.
Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, performing routine weight-bearing exercise and reducing smoking and drinking from younger adulthood could slow how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Practicing good alignment helps prevent acceleration of stature loss.
Is Getting Shorter Concerning?
Becoming slightly shorter isn't necessarily harmful.
But, considerable skeletal and muscular decline in later years connects to chronic health conditions like cardiovascular issues, brittle bones, osteoarthritis, and mobility challenges.
Therefore, it's valuable to take preventive measures to maintain skeletal and muscular integrity.
