ð Share this article Fact or Fiction That Your Height Decreases as You Age? Undoubtedly, people tend to become shorter over the years. Once past 40, humans generally lose roughly 1 cm every ten years. Males see a yearly decrease in height between 0.08% and 0.1%. Women often experience 0.12-0.14% per year. Reasons Behind Decreasing Height A portion of this loss is caused by gradually worsening posture over time. Those who develop a stooped stance for extended periods â perhaps while working â may discover their spine gradually adapts that hunched shape. Everyone loses some height between morning and evening when gravitational force squeezes fluid from spinal discs. The Biological Process of Height Loss The change in our stature occurs at a microscopic level. Between ages 30-35, stature plateaus as our structural tissues gradually reduce. The cushioning discs between our vertebrae become dehydrated and begin shrinking. The honeycomb structure in vertebrae, pelvis and lower limbs reduces in thickness. As this occurs, the bone compresses marginally reducing length. Diminished muscle mass additionally affects vertical measurement: skeletal structures preserve their structure and measurements via muscle force. Ways to Slow Height Loss? Although this change isn't stoppable, the rate can be reduced. Eating foods high in calcium and D vitamins, engaging in regular resistance training and reducing tobacco and alcohol from younger adulthood may reduce the rate of bone and muscle loss. Keeping correct spinal position also provides protection against shrinking. Is Getting Shorter A Health Issue? Experiencing minor reduction isn't necessarily harmful. However, substantial bone and muscle loss in later years associates with persistent health problems including heart complications, bone density loss, osteoarthritis, and movement difficulties. Thus, it's worthwhile to take preventive measures for preserving skeletal and muscular integrity.