Can you give prevent a hump back as you age?

[thatischarming]

I have started an exercise class for older women and lots of the women go regularly and keep up with all the steps but I have noticed that lots of them have a curved spine or slight hump on their backs. I am in my 50s and I would say most of them are maybe late 60s/early 70s.

Is this a normal sign of ageing or is it a particular condition and can it be prevented? Does everyone develop a hump as they age? Is that why we seem to shrink?! Do people with poor posture (me) suffer more?

https://firstlinephysio.co.uk/blogs/dowagers-hump

It’s often linked to osteoporosis; menopause is a villain here and HRT can help prevent it. But also weight bearing exercise, good nutrition, not smoking/too much booze and medication if necessary.

My Dad was in the army in WWII, so we were always reminded to "Sit up straight, shoulders back, chest out"😄
The advice stayed with me and it must have worked as my Yoga teacher told me I had great posture, and I am 70, and could not have HRT because of breast cancer.

As olderbutwiser mentioned diet is important because I have noticed that it's the frailer women that tend to have a hump.

Alexander Technique!

Posture can play a big part in this. If your work and / or hobbies mean that you spend a lot of time with your neck or back bent forwards, you are much more likely to develop a hunch.
That is how it has played put in my family, anyway.

Thanks for the replies. I do not have good posture so I could definitely work on that and try some exercises. I am generally trying to be more active as I have neglected that over the last five years or so and I am starting to feel my age with niggling health problems.

Kyphosis: Curvature of the Upper Spine Once Called a Dowager Hump
chronic dieting and osteo, meno, and yes posture interestingly linked to bladder and bowel issues as well.

Medication can also cause osteoporosis.
I know a lot of people with my condition with osteoporosis after taking heavy doses of steroids. And they were healthy beforehand

So yes there are things we can do but sometimes it's just total rotten luck