Why Do People Shrink in Height?

You may have heard it before and are curious — do people shrink? Well, we hate to bring the bad news, but it’s true! As we get older, we all shrink just a little bit. So, why do people shrink, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

The Smallest Bit of Shrinking

Unfortunately, shrinking truly is just part of the aging process. Here’s why it happens:

• You lose muscle mass: Your muscles help you stand tall and as they lose mass over time, your posture gets a little poorer and your appearance a little shorter
• Your arches fall: The arches in your feet flatten just the slightest bit as you age, which can cause you to become shorter.
• Your spinal discs shrink: The discs in your spine are pumped up by fluid, and as you get older, less fluid gets to them so they flatten which causes your spine to lose some length.

Although it is true that you can shrink in height, it isn’t drastic and it isn’t very noticeable. The average person can expect to lose about ⅓ to ¼ of an inch every 10 years after turning 40.

Can You Prevent Shrinking?

The aging process is a natural part of life and even though you can’t stop shrinking from happening altogether, you can try to stop the shrinking from impacting you too much.

• Regular exercise is a great place to start, especially weight-bearing exercises like jogging or running. These exercises work your hops and legs, which can help increase muscle and bone mass.
• You also want to be sure you are getting enough Vitamin D, as it contributes to strong bones. Make sure you are eating foods rich in Vitamin D like broccoli, almonds, and kale.
• Paying close attention to your posture is also important to prevent shrinking. When you practice proper posture, you work the maintain the health of your bones and the strength of your muscles while keeping unnecessary stress off your spine. For posture tips, be sure to ask during your next adjustment!

Speaking of adjustments, regular chiropractic care can also keep your spine strong and healthy no matter what age or phase of life you are in. To learn more about the importance of spinal health or to schedule an appointment with your local Brooklyn chiropractor, just click here!