As people age, many elderly individuals notice that they become shorter. One major reason for this is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle due to a decrease in bone density. This can cause the vertebrae in the spine to compress, making a person appear shorter. To prevent osteoporosis, you can take the following measures: maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D; engage in regular moderate exercise such as brisk walking and swimming; avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, regular bone density tests are important to detect issues early and take appropriate treatment measures.