Why we ‘shrink’ as we age (and what we can do about it)

I learnt as I grew, and I’m still learning as I shrink!

I reach up higher to kiss my adult daughter these days. My body has shrunk with age (though she is too kind to point this out). Agnelo my question is this… what causes it, and can I do anything about it? Elva

With this question I took myself off to see Agnelo today

Here is what he told me…

Elva, you will be told that it’s a normal part of life if you live long enough. (Research from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging tells us that on average people lose ¼ to ½ inch every decade after age 40 or 50, with losses increasing in later years(women generally losing more than men).

That said, much of the world believes (as I do) that ‘shrinkage’ is exacerbated by declining activity. In Japan for instance, the middle-aged and elderly are much more active than we are in the West – there; cultural attitudes really affect lives! So what I would say to you is this Elva: old age does not have to mean frailty.

You see, essentially, people lose height (shrink) because the discs between the vertebrae in the spine dehydrate and compress. The aging spine can also become more curved, and vertebrae can collapse due to loss of bone density or osteoporosis. Thus the resulting loss of muscle mass in the torso is not so much a loss of height but a stooped posture. This is what we associate with ageing.

“SO THIS ‘STOOPING’ IS AN INDICATOR OF IMPENDING DOOM?

Agnelo laughs at this point and tells me:

No! Look, there’s a lot of science to it Elva but basically, if you are in otherwise good health it may simply be a symptom of diminished activity – i.e. lack of exercise! To be honest, genetics play a big role but YES, you can take steps to protect your bones and muscles. Many have across the world – you can too.

I recommend we ‘set to’ with weight-bearing exercises as you consume adequate calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-healthy nutrients (ALL of which I will advise you on). General rule of thumb is to limit alcohol intake and above all don’t smoke (not to be politically correct but simply because it clogs up your breathing apparatus).

Here’s the thing Elva. You reach higher to kiss your daughter. OK, that is as it is. Now… we make sure that you don’t become frail.

Personally, I think you are mentally well-equipped for the ageing challenge,
Warmly, Agnelo
Personal Trainer. Prana Applecross.
0449 592 728