Education is linked to less shrinkage later in life.
Recent research findings by the Universities of Southern California, Harvard, and Peking show that your education plays a role in how much you shrink later in life.
When compared to people who are illiterate and didn’t complete primary school, researchers observed that secondary or high school graduates experienced about three quarters of an inch less of height loss.
The problems with human shrinkage go deeper than having to hem your pants. Those with increased height shrinkage also had more diminished cognitive abilities, memory loss, and greater trouble doing simple arithmetic.
As we age we become kind of like a settling house. The spine compacts, we lose muscle mass, and foot arches fall.
One American study determined the average male is approximately 2 inches shorter by the time he’s 80.
Other factors contributing to accelerated height loss include smoking, extreme dieting, taking steroids, and excess caffeine intake.
The best defense against it is a good offense. Eating healthy, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and working out with weights are all helpful preventative measures.
And, of course, staying in school.
