The Reduction in height with age is a condition that manifests itself due to the natural aging process of our body, which can result in us losing even 1 centimeter of height every ten years after the age of 40. The elderly can see how this process occurs more quickly, especially if they have a bone or joint diseases that generate weakness in these areas. If you wonder about the causes of height reduction with age, keep reading because at FastlyHealwe, explain them in detail.
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How much can our height decrease with age?
Over the years, our body loses bone mass; the percentage of loss will vary depending on the constitution of each person but also on lifestyle habits and sex. On average, it is estimated that women lose 30% of their bone mass, making them more prone to suffer from problems such as osteoporosis after menopause, resulting in a total reduction of 5 centimeters from the age of 40 in his stature.
Men can lose 17% of their bone mass, which translates into around 3 centimeters. However, the Reduction in stature in males usually begins earlier than in females.
Bone, joint, and muscle aging
Over the years, our bones lose bone mass, the muscles lose muscle mass, and the joints can also begin to manifest injuries and discomfort that compromise their absolute well-being. All these degenerative processes are among the causes of the Reduction in height with age. However, their impact may be more significant or less depending on our lifestyle habits.
People who exercise, lead active lives, eat well, and maintain an adequate weight will have stronger bones and healthier muscles and joints compared to those who are sedentary, obese, and who do not watch their diet. Healthy habits slow the aging of cells and bones, muscles, and joints.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the density of the bones, causing them to be more fragile than usual. This condition, more common in women after menopause, also affects our vertebrae, causing them to crush, which causes height to decrease.
This disease is silent, so years may pass without it showing symptoms; however, if a significant reduction in height is perceived, it is convenient to carry out a test that helps measure bone density and determine whether or not this condition is suffered.
The people most at risk for osteoporosis are:
- Women of menopausal age or after it, especially those with a thin build and delicate bones.
- Caucasian or Asian people have a higher incidence.
- Those who have an advanced age.
- Those with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Family history of osteoporosis.
- Have a diet low in calcium.
- Have harmful habits such as smoking, drinking excessively, or leading a sedentary life.
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease that affects the bones’ cartilage, causing it to wear out and become inflamed, which implies that the friction between the bones will not be soft and cushioned. This results in the bones beginning to rub, producing pain and inflammation in the joint.
By producing degeneration and discomfort in the joints, this condition can also lead to a reduction in height if it is located in tender points such as the spine. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are:
- Pain in the affected area can occur due to a specific effort, although it is more frequent when the disease is advanced.
- Stiffness in the joints.
- Inflammation in the affected joint.
- Deformation does not occur in all cases.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended to visit a rheumatologist or traumatologist.
Bad postures
Taking care of our posture is very important because the difficulty to keep the back remaining, to sit or walk properly, and the habit of stooping can end up affecting the bone structure of our back, bringing with it a reduction in height with age that can also compromise the health of our bones.
Recommendations to maintain bone health
The Reduction in height with age is a process that we cannot avoid because our bones, muscles, and joints age; however, by taking care of some habits, we can prevent the process from affecting our well-being or bringing with it degenerative bone or joint diseases.
Some recommendations for maintaining healthy bones and joints over the years are:
- Exercising frequently, physical activity improves bone density and reduces muscle wasting. Exercises such as walking, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, or swimming can significantly improve the health of our bones.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins that guarantee the health of our body.
- Eat foods rich in calcium such as oily fish such as sardines or salmon, seafood, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and their derivatives but moderation and trying to be free of fat, and cereals and foods fortified with calcium.
- Include vitamin D in the diet to ensure calcium absorption. This is present in oily fish, eggs, shellfish, mollusks and fish oils.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Reduction in height with age: causes , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints, and Muscles.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.