Do People Shrink as They Get Older?

As we get older, it’s common to notice changes in our vision, hearing, memory and even our hair. Another change that often goes unnoticed is height. In this post, we’ll review:

• Is it possible to shrink in height?
• When can a person shrink?
• Why do people shrink when they get older?
• Is it possible to prevent shrinking in height?

Do People Shrink with Age?

Do people shrink when they get older? Yes. While some height loss is a normal part of aging, losing more than about an inch could be a sign of osteoporosis or another underlying bone health issue. If you notice you’re getting shorter, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a bone density test to help identify problems before they lead to fractures.

When Do People Start Shrinking?

On average, those assigned male at birth may lose about an inch between the ages of 30 and 70, while those assigned female at birth may lose around two inches during that same period. After age 80, all genders can lose an additional inch. 

But why do elderly people shrink? We’ll review the answer to that in the next section.

Why Do People Shrink As They Get Older?

There are several reasons why people shrink as they age. They include:

• Spinal discs wearing down. The soft, shock-absorbing discs between the vertebrae gradually lose volume and flatten with age, reducing the space between bones and making this the most common cause of height loss.
• Bone density decreasing. Age-related bone loss can weaken the vertebrae, causing them to thin or develop compression fractures, particularly in people with osteoporosis.
• Changes in posture. As the spine degenerates, it may tilt forward, leading to a stooped posture that can make you appear shorter.
• Muscles weakening. Loss of strength in the back and core provides less support for the spine, contributing to poor posture and making spinal curvature more noticeable.
• Foot arches flattening. The arches of the feet can collapse slightly over time, reducing standing height by a small amount.

In the final section, we’ll review how to stop shrinking.

How to Prevent Shrinking with Age

Can people shrink? Yes. Why do humans shrink as they age? Various reasons. But is there a way to stop shrinking with age? Yes there is. Here are a few things you can do.

• Practice good posture. Standing and sitting upright helps reduce stress on your spine and can minimize age-related stooping.
• Stay physically active. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, aerobics and strength training help maintain bone density, muscle strength and spinal support.
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium strengthens bones, while vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Most adults should aim for at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily.
• Don’t smoke. Tobacco use contributes to bone loss, increases the risk of osteoporosis and can impair the body’s ability to repair itself.
• Limit alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones, lower calcium levels and increase the risk of fractures.
• Take preventive steps early. Healthy lifestyle habits throughout adulthood can help slow bone loss, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and better preserve your height as you age.

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