Lean body mass also decreases. Bones lose some of their minerals and become less dense. Tissue atrophy decreases the amount of water in the body. Height progressively decreases. The tendency to become shorter occurs among all races and both sexes.
Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints .
In total, aging may cause a loss of 1 to 3 inches in height. Men often gain weight until about age 50, then begin to lose weight. Women usually gain weight until age 70, then begin to lose weight. Weight loss is, in part, caused by a loss of muscle tissue. Some weight loss is caused by loss of subcutaneous fat stores.