The Reality That Your Height Decreases Over Time?
Without question, people tend to become shorter as they grow older.
Once past 40, humans generally lose approximately one centimeter of height per decade. Men undergo a yearly decrease in height around 0.08% to 0.1%. Females generally shed between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly.
Factors Contributing to Shrinking Stature
Some of this reduction is caused by progressively poor posture with aging. Those who develop a stooped stance for extended periods – possibly during desk work – may discover their posture naturally assumes that hunched shape.
We all decrease in height between morning and evening when gravitational force squeezes water from intervertebral discs.
The Biological Process of Height Loss
Height alteration happens on a cellular scale.
From 30 to 35 years old, growth ceases when skeletal and muscular tissue start declining. The spinal cushions separating our spinal bones shed water and begin shrinking.
The lattice-like center in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs becomes less dense. As this occurs, the bone compresses somewhat and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass further impacts our stature: skeletal structures preserve their shape and dimensions by muscular pressure.
Is It Possible to Stop Shrinking?
Although this change isn't stoppable, it can be slowed.
Eating foods containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular strength-building activities and reducing tobacco and alcohol starting in early adulthood can decrease how quickly bone and muscle diminish.
Maintaining proper posture also provides protection of height reduction.
Is Height Loss Always Problematic?
Losing some height isn't necessarily harmful.
Yet, significant deterioration of structural tissues with aging connects to chronic health conditions such as heart-related conditions, osteoporosis, joint inflammation, and physical limitations.
Consequently, it's beneficial to adopt safeguarding habits for preserving structural tissue wellness.
