Why people become shorter in old age: the explanation of scientists

 Have you noticed that older people are usually quite short? Scientists conducted a study, the results of which were shocking: it turns out that the spine can begin to shrink already at the young age of thirty.

Of course, there are many reasons for this disappointing trend, and the most obvious is the age-related curvature of the spine. Why do people become shorter in old age, the Ifl Science publication told, OBOZ.UA reports, UAINFO.org informs.

Age-related stooping, known as kyphosis, occurs when muscle fibers shorten over the years. As a result, the muscles surrounding the spine become weaker, and we begin to lose the fight against gravity, so to speak, and eventually cannot walk straight.

Kyphosis is not a sentence. Spinal curvature can be prevented at a young age by leading an active lifestyle and exercising regularly. Of course, it is easier to prevent kyphosis than to fight it. Starting to do physical exercises in old age, firstly, the spine will be already curved and it will be impossible to return it to its natural position, and, secondly, the load on the back will cause severe pain.

And although stooping cannot be called an actual decrease in growth, other processes associated with age will cause the situation to worsen. Among the most significant contributors to this shortening is a decrease in bone density, which is thought to be caused by a decline in estrogen and testosterone as we age.

Another reason is the insufficient amount of vitamin D and the decrease in the quality of calcium absorption by the kidneys in old age. All of these factors often lead to a bone disease known as osteoporosis. Bones become porous and weaker. Doctors point out that even the vertebrae that make up our spine can crush under our own weight, causing breaks known as compression fractures.

It sounds really terrible. However, you may be surprised to learn that most compression fractures are painless. As these fractures accumulate and compress more of our vertebrae, height decreases.

This effect is often complicated by the degeneration of the spinal discs, which are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. When a person reaches the age of thirty, these discs can begin to dry out, becoming less and less firm as they lose water.

Stretching definitely won't make you taller, although a healthy lifestyle can prevent you from losing too much height. A diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, for example, will help bones stay young and minimize the risk of compression fractures. Regular exercise also keeps bones strong and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.