Do You Really Shrink With Age?

Summary: It is normal to lose a little bit of height as you get older. Over time, the cushion-like discs in your spine flatten out, and the arches in your feet might drop. Losing about half an inch to one inch is just standard wear and tear.

However, losing two or more inches is a warning sign. It could mean you have osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and easy to break. Weak muscles and bad posture can also make you look shorter than you really are. To protect your bones and keep your height, stay active, eat a healthy diet, and ask your doctor if you need a bone density test.

For more details, see Cleveland Clinic at health.clevelandclinic.org/can-avoid-losing-height-get-older (opens in new tab)