Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
The bones of your spine are separated by pads called
discs. As you age, these discs dry out and become smaller.
However, regular exercise compresses and relaxes these discs
as you move up and down. This helps to keep the discs from
shrinking and maintains your height. Regular exercise also helps
to strengthen bones and keep them from bending or being
crushed.
One study from Israel showed that people who
exercise regularly lose only half as much height as people who
never exercise -- just 2.6 centimeters compared with 5.5
centimeters. If you have not already started exercising to
prevent heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and loss of mental function, and just to keep you
feeling good, you should exercise to help you stand taller as you
age.
Checked 5/2/08