Is it true that height is reduced when we grow older?

Medical Video: How Tall Will You Be When You Grow Up?

Height shrinkage is not impossible. Many people, especially older ones, think that they are taller than they really are. In fact, it's just wishful thinking, which often results from a lack of awareness of height loss as we get older. In a study in France, researchers looked at 8,600 women over the age of 60 and found that they on average estimated their height 2.5 cm more than they really were, and many lost as much as 5 cm from their peak height. How can it be like that? Here are some things that might answer all your confusion.

Reduced height? How come?

Humans lose height because the joint plate between the spine is dehydrated and depressed. Spinal aging can also cause the bones to curve, and can be damaged (compression fracture) due to loss of bone density (osteoporosis). Loss of muscle in the torso can also contribute to bending the posture. Even straightening the arch of your foot can also make you a little shorter.

Is reduced height a sign of a health problem?

That is possible. This is the reason why doctors always measure height as part of periodic health tests. Changes in height will be very worrying if most are caused by compression fractures or other bone conditions. And the loss of muscle that contributes to shrinkage can also affect back pain. In addition, the greater the shrinkage, the greater the risk of other hip and nonvertebral fractures.

Several studies have found that those aged 65 years and over who lose 5 cm in the last 15 to 20 years have a higher risk of hip fractures than those who shrink less. Research also says that this risk is higher in men. Height loss can also be related to a number of metabolic and physiological changes that may have a negative impact on health. In addition, reduced height can be a sign of a lack of general body health or poor nutrition.

But you don't worry, because many people who experience height shrinkage have a healthy body. Of course, if you have concerns about your height, especially if you have chronic back pain, immediately discuss your complaint with your doctor.

How to minimize height shrinkage?

If you are still at a young age, there are things you can do to help stop the high decline. You must pay attention to nutrition, ensure a good level of vitamin D, and keep on doing activities (stay active). Exercises to improve posture, such as tai chi or yoga, and also lifting weights may be beneficial.

The peak bone period is around 25 years old, and you will decrease naturally after that age. Men and women over the age of 50 must have a bone density test to determine whether they have good bone density, low or even to osteoporosis.

Factors that cause you to risk osteoporosis include:

Family history: Keep an eye on the development of parents and siblings as you get older, especially if they suffer a broken bone from falling.
Lifestyle: Being physically active can reduce risk, like smoking, consume excessive alcohol.
Medications: Some drugs can affect bone health, including some antidepressants, drugs for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and epilepsy, and corticosteroids such as those used for rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
Medical conditions: Chronic liver or kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, teroid conditions, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk, which can also reduce hormone levels in women during early menopause and testosterone in men.