As a 78 year old I can verify that I have lost 1.5 inches in height
In my prime I was 6ft 1 inch....now I weigh in (no pun intended) at 5ft 11.5 inches.
My doctor explained that one effect of aging and disc degeneration is that the nucleus pulposus begins to dehydrate and the concentration of proteoglycans in the matrix decreases, thus limiting the ability of the disc to absorb shock.
This general shrinking of disc size is partially responsible for the common decrease in height as humans age.
My reason for posting is that Trump calls Bloomy ‘mini’ Mike. And suggested he requested a box to stand on for debates. Bloomy’s press said he is 5’ 8” - which historically, has not been reported as such. I expect the old reports will go down the algorithmic rabbit hole, but even elevated shoes will show roughly how tall his is.
Gravity wins, everytime.