🔗 Share this article Is it True That You Get Shorter Over Time? Definitely, adults typically shrink with advancing age. Once past 40, humans generally lose roughly 1 cm every ten years. Men undergo height loss each year around 0.08% to 0.1%. Women often experience between 0.12% and 0.14% yearly. Reasons Behind Shrinking Stature A portion of this loss results from gradually worsening posture as we age. People who maintain a curved spinal position for extended periods – possibly during desk work – could find their posture naturally assumes to that position. Everyone loses vertical stature throughout each day as gravity compresses water from intervertebral discs. The Biological Process Explaining Shrinking The change in our stature happens on a cellular scale. From 30 to 35 years old, stature plateaus as bone and muscle mass start declining. The cushioning discs separating our spinal bones become dehydrated and start contracting. The porous interior of spinal, pelvic and leg bones loses density. When this happens, skeletal tissue condenses marginally and shortens. Decreased muscle further impacts vertical measurement: bones maintain their form and size through muscular tension. Is It Possible to Stop Height Loss? While this process isn't stoppable, it can be slowed. Eating foods containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular strength-building activities and avoiding nicotine and alcohol beginning in youth may reduce the rate of bone and muscle loss. Practicing good alignment helps prevent acceleration of stature loss. Is Shrinking Stature Concerning? Losing some height could be normal. However, substantial bone and muscle loss with aging associates with long-term medical issues such as heart complications, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties. Consequently, it's beneficial to implement protective strategies to support structural tissue wellness.