why do we get smaller as we get older???

Question: why do we get smaller as we get older???
- Keywords:
  ageing,
  height
Asked by miabrady to Jess, Christina on 28 Jun 2013.
- Christina Pagel answered on 28 Jun 2013:
  
  Hi Mia!
  
  It’s because of gravity!! gravity is constantly pulling us towards the ground… between the bony discs of our spine (vertebrae) are cushiony soft layers and over time, under the weight of gravity, they gradually get squished. Eventually you can see the difference in height as your spine compresses!
  
  A condition called osteoporosis that can affect older people (especially women) also results in weaker bones and this can speed up the shrinking process! but normally, don’t get very much smaller.

Question: why do we get smaller as we get older???