As the human body ages, not only internal systems but also body measurements change.
According to specialists, over the years some organs and body parts may lengthen or widen, while others, on the contrary, may shrink.
Which parts can grow?
Feet
If the shoe size you used to wear feels tight now, this can be due to completely natural reasons. Because as age increases, due to the effect of body weight and daily load, ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity, and the foot shape "flattens" somewhat.
In addition, fluid accumulation can be observed in the foot and heel area with age, which causes swelling. Bone protrusions (bursitis) at the base of the big toe also increase the size of the foot.
According to research, foot length can increase by about 8 millimeters, and width by 4 millimeters.
After the age of 40, foot length increases on average by 3-4 millimeters every 10 years.
Nose
The nose is mostly made of soft tissues, and over time these tissues lose elasticity and can sag. A study conducted in 2002 noted that the length of the nose increases by approximately 5 millimeters from middle age to old age.
At the same time, the reduction of fat pads in the cheeks causes the nose to appear more prominent.
Philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip)
The vertical depression between the nose and upper lip can also elongate under the influence of gravity. The length of this part may be close to 2 centimeters, increasing from about 1.8 centimeters.
Teeth
Teeth do not grow with age, but since the gums recede, they appear longer. In youth, the length of the front teeth is usually 10-12 millimeters, but with age this indicator can visually appear as 15-17 millimeters.
Also, the thinning of the lips exposes the teeth more, strengthening the impression of "lengthening".
Eyebrows and nose-ear hairs
While hair growth on the head weakens, hair in the eyebrows, inside the nose, and in the ears can become longer. In some cases, their length can reach up to 2-3 centimeters.
This is explained by the effect of androgen hormones and the weakening control over hair growth with age.
Breasts
Cooper's ligaments that support the breasts stretch over time under the influence of gravity. Elastic tissues are gradually replaced by fatty tissue, estrogen levels decrease, and breasts sag. Depending on the stage of ptosis, the nipple can drop several centimeters from its previous position.
Earlobes
Since earlobes consist of soft tissue made of skin and connective tissue, they tend to elongate with age. Studies show that between ages 20 and 60, earlobe length can increase by approximately 30-35 percent. This is due to decreased elasticity and the long-term effect of gravity.
Which parts can shrink?
Spine
After 35 years of age, a person gradually begins to lose height. After 50 years, this change becomes more noticeable, and by about 70 years old, height reduction can reach 2-3 centimeters.
The reason is dehydration of the spinal discs and the loss of their height and elasticity.
Genitals
As age progresses, the risk of atherosclerosis in blood vessels increases, which weakens blood circulation and affects erectile function. At the same time, collagen decreases in erectile tissue and elasticity weakens.
According to research, the length in an erect state can decrease by approximately 0.7 centimeters every 10 years.
Nails
The growth rate of nails decreases about 3 times with age. While in adolescence nails grow 3-4 millimeters per month, after age 20 the growth rate decreases annually on average by 0.5 percent.
Reasons include weakened blood circulation in finger tips, mineral deficiency, hormonal changes, and the use of certain medications. (lent.az)
