Aging and Height Loss: Biological Processes
I am sure most of us have observed and / or witnessed a beloved one shrink from their old structure to a smaller body frame. And we wonder why this happens. In fact, this could actually be happening to you and you have no answers, except to write it off to the aging process. While aging plays a big part in this process, it is not the only reason why this could be happening.
As individuals age, several biological processes contribute to height loss and changes in posture:
- Intervertebral Discs: These discs, composed of cartilage and a gel-like substance, undergo degeneration with age. Dehydration and loss of elasticity can lead to reduced disc height, impacting overall stature (Adams et al., 2006).
- Vertebral Compression Fractures: Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone density, increases the risk of vertebral compression fractures. Such fractures not only reduce height but also cause pain and deformities in posture (Cauley, 2013).
