While you may be aware that a loss of vision, hearing, and memory is a sign of aging, something that is perhaps not so noticeable is a reduction in height. This apparent shrinking is due to several factors relating to changes in bone, muscles, joints, and other tissues in your body. While a certain amount of height loss is a normal part of aging and unlikely to be associated with any health problems, significant height loss may indicate underlying issues. Understanding what happens to your body as you age is important so you can counteract some of the negative effects of aging.
As early as your 30s, age-related muscle loss, known scientifically as sarcopenia, can mean you lose muscle mass at a rate of 3–5 percent each decade. Of particular concern are those muscles in your torso, which are primarily responsible for keeping you in an upright position. A reduction in their ability to maintain your posture can make you look stooped and hence shorter.
