Do people really shrink with age?
Have you ever been asked your height by a doctor, and then found that you are a few centimetres shorter than you thought you were?
No, you’re not going crazy. There is a very good chance that you have shrunk. Now before you start worrying, there is a very logical explanation.
While it doesn’t affect everybody, both men and women have been found to lose an inch or two by the time they turn 70.
So what’s causing us to become vertically challenged? It’s mostly due to the way the bones in the spine deteriorate with time, or due to osteoporosis. Some people find that muscle loss over time makes their posture more stooped.
Generally, it’s not something to worry about unless the height reduction is significant or you are experiencing pain in your back, neck or knees.
It can be an indication of future higher risk of fractures though, as it may mean that your bones are not as strong as someone who hasn’t lost any inches.
To keep your risks at bay (it’s not just genetic), be sure to check your vitamin D levels, get enough calcium from food or supplements, cut out cigarettes and excess alcohol consumption, and try some weight bearing exercise to strengthen those muscles.
Have you found yourself on the lower end of the height chart after 60? We would love to hear from you in the comments if you found that there was a health reason contributing to it.