Aging has many effects on our bodies, from wrinkles and age spots to joint problems. But do we really shrink in height as we get older? Most people's height grows until the age of about 18 to 20, and they maintain this height for most of their lives. However, you may have noticed that the height of elderly individuals begins to diminish over time. To understand why, the British newspaper Express spoke with Mike Coxis, the director of healthcare at Balance My Hormones Clinic.
Do we really shrink in height as we age?
Coxis states that our bodies do indeed shrink during the aging process, and it is quite normal to notice a slight decrease in height at this stage. However, significant height loss may indicate a problem or a more serious condition.
We all experience a decrease in height as we age, but lifestyle and diet can slow down this process. The main reasons for height decrease are:
1. Changes in body chemistry
2. Thinning of the vertebrae in the spine due to water loss
3. Osteoporosis
4. Decreased bone density
5. Muscle atrophy as we age
Although both men and women are believed to be prone to height loss in middle age, women notice a more significant difference after the age of fifty.
Mr. Coxis noted, "By the time women reach retirement age, some may lose as much as a few inches in height, which is due to loss of bone density in the spine and thinning of the intervertebral discs, meaning the spine shortens."
Significant and somewhat rapid height loss in later years may indicate something more problematic, such as osteoporosis, which can develop during menopause and leads to decreased estrogen levels.
