BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Geriatrics Losing Height

Just got back from the Dr. office had my yearly physical
I have Osteoporosis and take Evista every day
I found out today that i have lost height (I'm Shrinking)
Went from 5'6" to 5'4"
Is any one else shrinking?
I notice even at the kitchen sink while doing dishes, I would say to my grandson "am i shrinking"
Now i know!
Is it an age thing?

Yes, it is an affect of age from what i understand. As the bones compress with age you do in fact lose height. It tends to affect osteoporosis sufferers more as the bones with this condition are more brittle. Though it is not just limited to older folk as the bones do subtley compress through the day and then stretch back out over night with good sleep..

Rosie,
While I have not been officially measured in a while, my husband and I have both noticed that we used to be a bit more eye to eye. I was 6 ft tall in highschool, but I don't think I am anymore. I'm looking up to him (physically) more now then when we met 20 year ago.

It's only an age thing if you allow it to be. You can avoid that with some type of resistance training 2-3 times a week. Bodyweight exercises, weights, resistance bands, or any exercise that is weight bearing can stop or reverse osteoporosis.

Strength training builds muscles and the more muscles you have the more bone you build. This has to do with hormone production that blocks osteoblasts (which break down bone). Osteoclasts promote bone growth and strength training boosts osteoclasts. Pretty easy to avoid getting short or breaking bones as you get older.

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