Aging

Question

Do you shrink as you get older? If so, why?

Answer

Hi Andrew, Many elderly people seem to be shrinking because they have a disease called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis refers to thinning of bone (decreasing bone mass and density) resulting from depletion of bone calcium and protein. I did a search in www.google.com for shrinking osteoporosis and came up with some very good, informative web sites. Take a look at Osteoporosis - Older Adults & Bone Loss. The URL ishttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10715 What You Can do to Prevent Yourself from Shrinking is another good site. The URL ishttp://www.mercola.com/2004/feb/18/height_loss.htm. Be sure to visit your school or public library. The librarian can show you books on aging and medicine. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine is a very good set that most public and school libraries have. The World Book Encyclopedia will also have information on osteoporosis. Good luck with your research. Thank you for submitting a question to Ask NSDL. Melodye C. Librarian