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#Fitness & Nutrition #Public Health #Wellness
The Guardian
The Guardian
1w ago 18 views

Is it true that … you get shorter as you get older?

As people age, they typically lose height due to factors like bone density decline and posture changes, but a healthy lifestyle can mitigate this.
Is it true that … you get shorter as you get older?
A What happened
Aging is associated with a gradual loss of height, with individuals typically losing about one centimeter every decade after the age of 40. Men lose approximately 0.08-0.1% of their height annually, while women lose about 0.12-0.14%. This height reduction is influenced by factors such as decreased bone density, changes in spinal structure, and muscle mass decline. Poor posture, often developed from prolonged sitting or standing, can exacerbate height loss. Although this process cannot be completely halted, it can be slowed through a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercises, and maintaining good posture. Significant height loss is linked to chronic health issues, making it essential to adopt preventive measures.

Key insights

  • 1

    Height Loss Rate

    Individuals lose about a centimeter in height every decade after 40.

  • 2

    Impact of Posture

    Poor posture can contribute to height loss as we age.

  • 3

    Preventive Measures

    Diet and exercise can slow down height loss.

Takeaways

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate height loss associated with aging.