Why do people shrink with age and what causes it?

Question

My answer would have been. (part 1)

Both men and women shrink in height after the age of 30. Generally a man shrinks about 3 cm in his lifetime and a woman about 5 cm. This is part of the natural ageing process as the body loses muscle and fat.

When this happens gravity forces the vertebrae in the spine to degenerate, compress and eventually collapse into one another, resulting in a loss of height.

This shrinking process can be worsened by a condition called osteoporosis, in which the spongy tissue inside the bones is broken down and not replaced resulting in a dramatic loss of bone density.

In serious cases it can result in the vertebrae becoming crushed together; that's why some old people who suffer from it are stooped and can't stand up straight. A lack of calcium in older people could also result in a loss of bone density and consequent shrinking.

My answer would have been. (part 2)

The shrinking process can be reduced by eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium which strengthens the bones. Regular exercise also slows the process as it helps keep the bones and muscles strong.

People don't just shrink as they get older; they also shrink during the course of the day by several millimetres. This happens because water in the discs of the spine is compressed by gravity while you're upright. By the next morning however your body has recovered and is back to its normal height.

Answer 1

Osteoporosis...

the density of their bones gradually diminishes and then they start to get compressed by the weight of their bodies.

Answer 2

This is not true men and women don't shrink in height after the age of 30 normal age for men and women too shrink is around 55 some don't shrink until later on

Answer 3

I believe it happens due to a process known as oxidization. The cells in our body age because of a breakdown caused by oxidizing. That is why anti-oxidants are so popular these days because it is suppose to stop the aging process. All the things listed before this are caused by cells oxidizing and hence the shrinkage. . .

Did I just say shrinkage? It shrinks?

Answer 4

As we age our spine becomes dehydrated meaning the vertebrates are closer togetger and or shifted side by side due to bad posture and bone density.as we become an old person we tend to look smaller in width and height due to bone density.deteriation of sll the bones even the slightest amount from each bone is going to show significant changes.

Answer 5

People appear to shrink because of small fractures in the spine. It is important that you take calcium and vitamin D to prevent this from happening. (The body does not produce calcium after menopause, in women)

Answer 6

Calcium Loss
bones, spine
and Gravity

Answer 7

Ppl shrink with age because they're bones splinter and u begin to hunch over.

Answer 8

yes i believe ppl do shrink with age for certain reason

Answer 9

yes they do shrink. it has to do with age and the spine.

Answer 10

I dont' know they actualkly shrink, but their posture becomes poor...