🔗 Share this article The Reality That You Get Shorter Over Time? Definitely, adults typically shrink as they grow older. After the age of 40, adults typically drop approximately one centimeter of height per decade. Men experience a yearly decrease in height of 0.08-0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% per year. What Causes Shrinking Stature A portion of this loss stems from progressively poor posture over time. Individuals who adopt a curved spinal position over long durations – perhaps while working – could find their back slowly conforms to that position. All people shed vertical stature throughout each day while gravity presses moisture from vertebral discs. The Biological Process Explaining Shrinking The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level. Between ages 30-35, growth ceases as our structural tissues begin to diminish. The spinal cushions between our vertebrae become dehydrated and start contracting. The lattice-like center in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs loses density. When this happens, skeletal tissue condenses marginally reducing length. Decreased muscle also influences our height: skeletal structures preserve their form and size through muscular tension. Is It Possible to Stop Shrinking? While this process isn't stoppable, the progression can be delayed. Consuming a diet containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular strength-building activities and avoiding smoking and drinking from younger adulthood may reduce the rate of bone and muscle loss. Maintaining proper posture offers additional safeguarding of height reduction. Is Shrinking Stature Always Problematic? Losing some height isn't necessarily harmful. However, substantial bone and muscle loss in later years connects to chronic health conditions like heart complications, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and mobility challenges. Therefore, it's valuable to adopt safeguarding habits for preserving bone and muscle health.