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Most people stop growing taller between the ages of 16 and 21, and it’s expected we’ll maintain that height throughout life. However, that’s not always the case. Many individuals actually begin to lose height as they age, with some losing up to 3 inches by their 70s.
Why does our body fail to stay vertically stable? What causes us to shrink as we get older?
As reported by Live Science, the process of shrinking in height is complex. The primary factor is a reduction in bone mass. Between the ages of 40 and 50, our bodies begin losing bone faster than they can produce it. This loss involves not only a decrease in bone density but also a weakening of the bone matrix, the collagen framework that supports the bones. With less support, bones may develop microfractures, gradually leading to a reduction in bone mass. This damage can result in osteoporosis and loss of height, particularly when the vertebrae are affected. The compression can reduce height by millimeters, or even inches, over time.
A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology followed 2084 men and women whose height was measured regularly over a 35-year period as part of an aging research project. Between the ages of 30 and 70, men lost an average of 1.2 inches, and women lost 2 inches. By the age of 80, the loss had increased to 2 inches for men and 3 inches for women. If you start adulthood taller than 6 feet, it’s possible that by the time you pass, you might be only 5 feet 10 inches. (At least you’ll be lying down.)
Bone loss isn’t the sole reason for shrinking height. Poor posture can lead to a curved spine, causing a hunched back and a reduction in height; the natural wear and tear on discs between vertebrae can also contribute to this shrinkage.
For women, menopause can contribute to a decrease in height: The drop in estrogen levels that comes with aging plays a key role in protecting bones.
Can you prevent it? Not entirely, but you can take steps to reduce the damage. Bone loss is closely linked to muscle loss. By keeping your muscles active through exercise, you may prevent bone atrophy and improve your posture with stronger abdominal muscles, which help support an upright stance.
While some height loss is a natural part of aging, experiencing it more rapidly or earlier isn’t. Anyone noticing a significant or sudden reduction in height should consult with a healthcare professional.
If you're looking to counteract shrinkage, you might want to take a trip to space. Astronauts often experience a temporary increase in height because of the reduced gravity, which allows their vertebrae to expand, leading to a gain of up to 3 percent. However, this effect typically disappears once they return to Earth's gravity.
