Height Loss over years

[sho'nuff]

What is the word on height loss as you age?

Ive tried to google it and there is no real talk about it other than osteoporosis for women and celebheight talk about actors being taller when they were younger and such.


If i take plenty of calcium rich foods now and in the future will this prevent any shrinkage? or is it just a natural phenomenon we cannot prevent as the disc material just erodes as you age?

will continual activity and sitting up straight and not slouching help?

I am of perhaps average height and any shorter will just put me in the short category and I dont want that.
Basically i look good in the inseam and coat lengths that I have now, and dont want to have to alter them anytime soon.

I would say start worrying about it until you hit your 50s? or does it start during your 40s? (barring any medical condition of course).
because basically, i am at the gate of entering the 40s now.

What is your knowledgeable take? thanks.

 

[Jumbie]

It happens. Combination of bone loss (minor unless you have osteoporosis), posture and your intervertebral discs (loss of disc space and elasticity).

Starts at age 40-50. Nothing much you can do except watch your posture and strengthen your back muscles e.g. erector spinae, trapezius, rhomboids. Ensure enough calcium and vit D in your diet.

You also will shrink as the day goes on due to the effects of gravity on your discs.

 

[doug funnie]

A majority of height loss comes from postural issues that worsen with age and not the bones actually shortening. Some of it may be made up by bone/tissue between joints wearing down, but common sense indicates that this would probably have a negligable effect on an individual's total height.

If you're really worried about this long term then your best bet is probably to begin a serious strength training routine now when postural problems are minimal. And curls/pushups don't count. Anything that isn't directly working the spinal erectors/other interior muscle groups will have a minimal effect, or may be detrimental.

 

[Jumbie]

Originally Posted by doug funnie

Some of it may be made up by bone/tissue between joints wearing down

Yes, this may also play a very small role.

In the end, unless you have some major kyphosis you aren't really talking about anything maybe more than 0.5" max.

 

[sho'nuff]

ok thanks a lot guys

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Jumbie

(...)

You also will shrink as the day goes on due to the effects of gravity on your discs.

AAAACK!!! This pernicious gravity - it must be overcome!

 

[Jumbie]

Originally Posted by Thomas

AAAACK!!! This pernicious gravity - it must be overcome!

To combat it I spend half the day walking on my hands.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Jumbie

To combat it I spend half the day walking on my hands.

Very clever, this;
But, does it not shrink your arms?
I have much to learn.

 

[melwoesblvd]

they have those machines that stretch you out, forgot what theyre called

 

[Harold falcon]

Originally Posted by melwoesblvd

they have those machines that stretch you out, forgot what theyre called

The Rack.

 

[erdawe]

^Lovely...

If that's not appealing, there's always leg-lengthening cosmetic surgery performed in certain foreign countries.

 

[Doctor]

In Australia we have a federal politician - a rather attractive young lady - who claims to have been to Russia for leg lengthening surgery. I think it took 8 weeks.

So there are always options...

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

The Rack.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Doctor

In Australia we have a federal politician - a rather attractive young lady - who claims to have been to Russia for leg lengthening surgery. I think it took 8 weeks.

So there are always options...

Seriously: **** that ****. The trick in life is to make the most with what you are given.

 

[BoilerRoom]

I'm too young to have experienced age-related height loss, but I do know that I shrink 3/4" throughout the day.