are you getting shorter??

Have you ever been tested for osteoporosis - as 'shortening' is a common symptom. Mind you, most people do get slightly shorter with age, but if it is quick and pronounced, I'd go and discuss it with my GP.

A couple of years ago, I had really sore and achey knees, so I went to my GP. He asked me what height I thought I was, and I answered 5'10", as I had been since my late teens. He measured me and found me to be just over 5'8". What really bothered me was that I was far too heavy for this 'new' height! Anyway, with the help of glass's diet thread, I lost about two-and-a-half stones, and my knees aren't nearly as bad now!

I'm also 1.5 inches shorter than I once was. I think it has been a gradual process.

It's funny anno, because I'd noticed that the long-length trousers that I'd always bought before, were suddenly too long! I decided that this was because they were made longer to take really high heels into account (something I've never been able to wear because of DH's being a bit of a short-a..e)! Now I just buy regular length - (DH is shrinking with me, by the way) !!

I'm almost an inch taller! I put it down to pilates stretching me out from my little 5' 2" to almost 5' 3"

I've got a little bit longer on one side, had a hip replacement and the leg is now longer

Why have I got an inch shorter, now only just 5ft but quite a bit wider.Am looking for a steam roller as long as its going the right way!

tanglerose - !

Good stretching exercises and both Pilates and yoga can help you stay a good height. A lot of sitting tends to put pressure on the neck and spine and reduces you bit by bit. I do a lot of stretching and have managed to stay the same height according to my sisters measuring of me a few months ago. It has also helped me become more flexible rather than less in the last few years so I am very happy.
Am very lucky. I am able to do massage on myself. My sister teaches Pilates and BiL teaches stretch so constantly reminded of what I can do if I complain of an ache or pain.

There is nothing we can do about it. It's all to do with cartilages and tendons etc. etc. They shrink as we age.

Never mind.

Yoga most certainly helps to prevent 'shrinkage' (and Pilates too, I'm sure). I gained a mighty 1/2" through regular yoga. (It's a lot to me anyway - I'm a dinky 5')
In spells of time over the years where I have not done regular yoga, I've noticed it. 1/2" can make a lot of difference (reaching items on top shelves of supermarkets, for example!)
And keeping supple is crucial as we get older

You can reach the top shelves in supermarkets at 5' 1/2" NannaAnna? Sometimes I can't, and I'm 5'7"!

I am the Incredibly Shrinking Grandmother-or is it because all the GSs and GNs are 6ft 4ins and over! Where do they get it from? It actually makes a great deal of diference if you are under 5ft as I am.

I can reach the top shelves too Ana and I'm 5' 4" (ish). I either lasso things off with my shoulder bag strap, though this is a bit hit and miss and i don't use this method in the wine section any more, or use the bottom shelf as a step or simply stop any passing tall person ( preferably male and fit) and do my 'please can you help little old me' act

hunt have you had a sex change? And shrunk?

Ana my definition of 'reaching' the top shelves is standing on tip-toe, stretching, and edging things off the front of the shelf with the tips of my fingers . Same applies to kitchen cupboards!

Nanado, were you thinking of HunterF?

that'll be it!

Nanado, what makes you think I have had a sex change? Have you always thought of me as a Grandpa? I have definitely shrunk due to osteoporosis. Never mind , I always stand two steps up on the stairs to give these boys a hug. I also ask an obliging tall person for help with the things on top shelves. Once ,having been helped by a very tall young man , I found him in the next aisle grovelling to reach something on the bottom shelf. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked, '' Would you like me to reach that for you ?''. He was very amused and we had a good laugh.

Hunt - maybe Nanado's thinking of HunterF? He's a grandad.

Ooops - sorry Ana! Had missed your comment, there!

Oh yes, I'm thinking of HunterF so sorry Hunt I think I'm losing it...is dementia catching?
Loved your story about helping out the young guy!

Not to worry, Nanado. I also wondered if you had mixed me up with HunterF. Problem solved-or as the young would say, ''No probs''

Hunt