Is it true that height decreases as we get older? & bull; hello healthy

Loss of height is not impossible. Many people, especially older ones, think that they are taller than they really are. In fact, it is just wishful thinking, often the result of a lack of awareness of the shrinkage in height with age. In a study in France, researchers looked at 8,600 women over the age of 60 and found that they estimated their height to be 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 a few things that might answer all your confusion.

Reduced height? How come?

Humans lose height because the disk joints between the vertebrae are dehydrated and compressed. Aging of the spine can also cause curved bones, and they can be damaged (compression fracture) due to loss of bone density (osteoporosis). Loss of muscles in the torso can also contribute to slouching posture. Even gradual straightening of the arch of your foot can make you a little shorter.

Is reduced height a sign of a health problem?

It is possible. This is the reason why doctors always measure height as part of regular medical tests. Changes in height are especially worrisome if they are due to a compression fracture or other bone condition in large part. And muscle loss that contributes to shrinkage can also affect back pain. In addition, the greater the shrinkage, the greater the risk of hip and other nonvertebral fractures.

Several studies have found that ages 65 and over who lost as much as 5 cm in height in the past 15 to 20 years had a higher risk of hip fracture than those who had shrunk less. Research also says that this risk is higher in men. Loss of height can also be associated with a number of metabolic and physiological changes that may have a negative impact on health. In addition, a decrease in height can be a marker of a general lack of health or poor nutrition.

But you don't worry, because many people who experience a reduction in height have a healthy body. Of course, if you have concerns about your height, especially if you have chronic back pain, talk to your doctor right away.

How to minimize loss in height?

If you are young, there are things you can do to help stop your height drop. You have to pay attention to nutrition, ensure good vitamin D levels, and stay active (stay active). Exercises to improve posture, such as tai chi or yoga, as well as lifting weights may be of benefit.

Peak bone mass is around age 25, and you will naturally decline after that age. Men and women over the age of 50 should have a bone density test to determine if they have good, low bone density or are even headed for osteoporosis.

Factors that put you at risk for osteoporosis include:

Family history: Monitor the development of parents and siblings as they age, especially if they have suffered fractures from falls.
Lifestyle: Being physically active can lower the risk, as can smoking, of consuming excessive alcohol.
Medications: Several medications 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, thyroid conditions, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk, which can also lower hormone levels in women during early menopause and testosterone in men.