To think I'm shrinking?

[Liskee]

Is this a thing! I'm a 41 year old female. I always thought I was around 5'7 but then, around a decade ago, I was measured as being 5'6. Grand. Difference between assuming and then actually being measured.

This week in work some of us are taking part in a health & fitness campaign and the co-ordinator measured me and advised I was 'slightly over 5'5, probably about 5'5 and a half.'

Is it unreasonable to think that in the last 20 years or so I could have gone from 5'7 to slightly over 5'5?! And is this even a thing?! I know older people shrink, but is that not a plus 60 thing....and what height will I be by then?!?!

[batshite1]

were you actually measured at 5ft 7 in the past? I only say this as I’m just under 5ft 9, everyone else tells me they are 5ft 8 etc so I must be 5ft 10, etc.

You can shrink but I think it’s when much older

[Cheekyandfreaky]

I have no idea but I am always measured slightly differently depending on the measurer, at my tallest I’m 5’7, shortest 5’5 like you.

[Ifailed]

Depends what time in the day you measure your height, you can loose 1cm as the disks in your spine compress, compared to when you first get up.

[Timeforabiscuit]

You know you shrink over the course of a day, apparently the muscles relax while you're lying down making you "taller" then the muscles contract slightly making you "shorter" by the end of the day.

Might be bollocks, but heard it via a story of someone trying to pass the minimum height restriction for being a pilot.

[fizzytonicplease]

My mum was always 5ft 6 (measured) she is now 5ft 4!

[noeffingidea]

You do tend to shrink as you get older. I lost an inch in height but I've got it back again since I've been doing lots of swimming (presumably it stretches my spine out and strengthens my core ), perhaps yoga might have the same effect.