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As you get older, the skeleton gradually begins to get smaller due to the reduction in disc thickness, although the bones do not decrease in length. That's why older people appear to be smaller than middle-aged people.
Because of factors such as muscle tone and either or both types of Arthritis, the spine also begins to bend over slightly, so you get a bent back, but for some people, it's less obvious, for some it's a lot more obvious.

The biggest problem , especially in women, is that as hormone levels decrease bones become thinner and more brittle. The slightest trip, slip or fall can have dire consequences.

Actually, there is a tendency for the body to absorb calcium out of the bones. This happens in both men and women. In it's extreme, it is called Osteoporosis which is most common in women, but will occur in both men and women. The stooping over look that is a tell-tale sign of advanced osteoporosis is probably due to micro-fractures and compression of the vertebrae. At the same time there is also a thinning of the vertebral disks in the spine which accounts for much of the loss in height.

There are a number of things that can prevent osteoporosis. And, these should be begun early. Calcium supplements are commonly taken, and really since the peak bone mass is in the 20's, the calcium should be started early. Exercise may also help, and it is noted that some of the worst osteoporosis occurs in paraplegics that are prevented from doing exercise. Also, as noted above, there is some relation to hormones, and hormone deficiencies, especially in post-menopausal women. However, keep in mind that estrogen supplements are a double edged sword, and while they may benefit the bones, there may be increased cancer risk from taking them. Finally, there are some medications such as Fosamax which are not related to hormones, and will help with maintaining bone mass.

An interesting note is that while the bones may shrink or loose calcium with aging, cartilage can grow throughout a person's life which can cause the nose and ears to grow slightly.
it grows,and some bones grow into one

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