The Reality That You Lose Height Over Time?
Without question, individuals often lose height over the years.
Once past 40, adults typically drop approximately one centimeter every ten years. Men undergo height loss each year of 0.08-0.1%. Women typically lose 0.12-0.14% annually.
Reasons Behind Shrinking Stature
Some of this reduction results from increasingly slumped posture as we age. People who maintain a stooped stance throughout the day – possibly during desk work – might notice their posture naturally assumes that hunched shape.
We all decrease some height throughout each day while gravity presses fluid from spinal discs.
The Biological Process Behind Height Reduction
The change in our stature happens on a cellular scale.
From 30 to 35 years old, height stabilizes as bone and muscle mass begin to diminish. The cushioning discs between our vertebrae shed water and begin shrinking.
The lattice-like center in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs loses density. When this happens, skeletal tissue condenses somewhat and shortens.
Diminished muscle mass further impacts our height: bones maintain their structure and measurements by muscular pressure.
Ways to Slow Height Loss?
Although this change cannot be halted, the progression can be delayed.
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise and reducing nicotine and alcohol starting in early adulthood may reduce the decline of skeletal and muscular tissue.
Maintaining proper posture also provides protection of height reduction.
Is Height Loss A Health Issue?
Experiencing minor reduction may not be problematic.
Yet, significant deterioration of structural tissues as we grow older associates with persistent health problems like heart-related conditions, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties.
Therefore, it's valuable to adopt safeguarding habits to support structural tissue wellness.