You’re Getting Shorter
There’s a good reason why your doctor measures you regularly. On average people lose a quarter to half an inch every decade after age 40 or 50, with losses increasing in later years. Women generally losing more height than men. People tend to shrink as they age due to the natural compression of the discs in the spine and due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is serious condition as it increases the likeliness of breaking a bone, especially in older individuals. Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too.
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to increase bone strength and density. This can be accomplished with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and through weight-baring exercises. Women in particular need to be aware of their risks of developing osteoporosis, as the decrease in estrogen levels caused by menopause naturally predisposition women to lose bone density as they age.
