Do our bones shrink while we get older? (after 40 maybe)?

Answer 1

Sometimes. Osteoporosis causes bones to shrink. Our bones are also "remodeled" based on how they are used- people like athletes whose bones are exposed to a lot of stress and use generally have larger bones than people who sit around on the couch all day.

In addition, the articular cartilage between joints often becomes worn or destroyed as we age, which means that our joints are not as smooth and movement is more painful

Answer 2

No. But the cartilage and lubrication between the bones (especially the spine) do decrease and give an impression of "shrinking".
Bones do decrease in density as we get older, but not in relative size.

Answer 3

yes your bones do shrink when you get older. I'm not sure why, i think it has something to do with calcium and your bones being older, but eventually you realize your not as tall as you were. Shrinking is normal.

Answer 4

You don't shrink.. well you just lose bone MASS (and muscle too) as you get older. Can be prevented with moderate exercise and calcium/vitamin D (calcium won't be absorbed by the body unless Vit. D is present).

Answer 5

I don't think they necessarily shrink...but a lot of people have osteoporosis, which makes them more brittle and prone to breaking. Also-as you age, cartilage begins to degrade, and that can cause some height loss. A lack of calcium could also cause elderly people to hunch over.

Answer 6

yes,in some women bones degenarate and their mass reduces after menopause(usually after 40).it's due to decreased level of estrogen...this disease is called osteoporosis...

Answer 7

No but calcification of the spine can make a person shorter than they were when younger.

Answer 8

that would suck pretty bad