As we age, we experience a range of changes in our body, including shrinking in height. While it is normal to lose some height, the amount can vary depending on the person. Dr. Douglas Kiel, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, explains that shrinking less than an inch is normal, but any more than that may be indicative of underlying issues. Men lose about 0.02% of their height per year, while women lose 0.1% per year on average. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reports that men shrink about 1 inch in their lifetime, while women shrink 2 inches.
One reason for height reduction is a curvature in the spine called kyphosis, which becomes more pronounced with age. This curvature is due to weaker muscles that are required to hold the spine upright. As we age, we lose muscle fibers, which reduces our ability to extend our spine and look straight and tall. This, in turn, leads to a more pronounced kyphosis and reduced height.
Bone loss is another contributing factor to shrinking. Vertebral bodies, which make up our spine, can be crushed or broken as a result of bone loss. People with osteoporosis tend to have more vertebral fractures, which reduce the height of the vertebral bodies.
While it is normal to lose some height as we age, it is important to get a bone density test and be treated for osteoporosis if necessary. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can also help slow down the shrinkage process. Shrinking is not a disease, but it could be an indicator that some things are changing in your body that potentially could be slowed down.