Losing Height As I Get Older.

[Tilly2]

Having just measured my height, I was surprised to find that I am now 1 inch shorter than I have been in the past. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, three years ago. Is this a factor or is loss of height an age thing?

Are there any exercise you can do safely to specifically stretch out your spine? I am considering joining a yoga class. I still have my old yoga mat somewhere.

[Dizmo]

I know people lose height as they get older, however I don't know if having osteoporosis has any effect on that. I've already lost an inch in height since I was 18.

[gness]

Tilly, some years ago I bought an inversion table. I loved it. Not so much for height but to ease my back. When we decided to sell up in the UK completely there wasn't room in this house to have it here so I gave it to my son.
Now we've extended I may invest in another. Felt so good when I came off it.

[Buenchico]

>>> . . . or is loss of height an age thing?

Quote:
"Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints. People typically lose almost one-half inch (about 1 centimeter) every 10 years after age 40. Height loss is even more rapid after age 70. You may lose a total of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) in height as you age."

Source:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm

I used to be about 181 cm tall but my height is typically measured at around 178cm these days. (Height measurement varies a little every day though, with one's height usually being slightly greater first thing in the morning, after sleeping, than it is later in the day. That's because gravity gradually compresses the discs in one's spine during the day, which then return to their uncompressed state while supine in bed).

[ubasses]

I had lost half an inch when I was last measured, nurse told me that it was normal as we age.

[Dizmo]

Now only if I could lose some weight with that height!

[gness]

If I live a long time I'll vanish. :-(

[Buenchico]

This page, from the website of the leading Canadian osteoporosis charity, might be relevant to you, Tilly:
https://osteoporosis.ca/height-loss/

[Dizmo]

We cannae have that gness, you vanishing that is.

[Tilly2]

Good article Chris, Thank you.

I need to have a look what an inversion table is Gness. It sounds as if you have to hang upside down...

[gness]

Oh I don't know, Diz...there could be a few cheers. ;-)

You do hang upside down...well as much as you want. Just take it slow and easy.

[gness]

Have a good read about them first.

[Tilly2]

I shall and will ask the consultant about it when I see him in April.
Thank you.

[pastafreak]

An inversion table has always sounded like my idea of hell.

[Redhelen72]

My dad used to swear he was 6ft, he was 5ft7 when he passed lol

[Cloverjo]

My dad says he was 5’11”. He is now the same height as me. 5’4”. Sorry, Tilly, I think it’s an age thing

[gingejbee]

Careful if you go for an inversion table...people with certain medical conditions should avoid them.

[-SharonA-]

My hubby has shrunk too. He is nearly the same height as me. I reckon he has lost 3 inches from his 6' 1" frame.

[rowanwitch]

Loss of height is an age thing and also an osteoporosis thing. Mostly due to the discs in the spine becoming flattened plus the osteoporosis can affect posture making you appear shorter still. It's why everyone is slightly shorter in the evening. Your discs plump up a tiny fraction when you are in bed. I was 5'6½ now a touch under 5'5 . My mum was 5'8. Now probably about 5'4" if she could stand straight. she has osteoporosis, and is 90 years old.

[1ozzy]

If height was the only thing I was losing I'd be happy

[lady-janine]

You've still got me oz.