eli5: how do people shrink and where does the height go?

Question

Just found out my colombian dad used to be 5’7/8, he’s 5’4 rn

In: 1

Answer 1

Between your vetebrae are disks that helps cushion your spine. They act as shock absorbers. They are mostly fluid filled. As you age, the disk lose more water and shrinks. The shrinking discs will cause you to lose height.