Quick Answers...
Does a person's height tend to decline in old age?
Yes. Due to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and a lifetime of wear and tear, upper vertebrae are weakened; joint spaces and buffering tissues wear and muscles are lost. These changes foster decreased padding between vertebral discs, which accounts for a loss of height. The height changes and imbalances contribute to pain and stress on the lower back with advanced age.
Linda Breytspraak, Center on Aging Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City
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Last update: Tuesday, March 14, 2006