Key points from article :
Researchers report analysis of data from 2,406 Swedish and Danish women born between 1908 and 1952.
Measurements were taken at an average age between 47 and 44 respectively, and about 10 to 13 years later.
After that point deaths among participants were tracked for a further 17 to 19 years.
625 participants died during the follow-up period, with 157 due to cardiovascular disease and 37 due to stroke.
During this period the women lost an average of 0.8cm in height over 11.4 years.
Dr Sofia Klingberg, co-author of the research says "People lose height as they get older because of changes in the spine..."
Each centimetre they lost between the two measurements was associated with a 15% greater risk of death.
Who lost more than 2cm in height between measurements had a 74% increased risk of death.
High physical activity is linked to reduced height loss.
Both, reduction of the age-related bone loss and increased muscle strength is observed.
Research by University of Gothrnburg published in BMJ Open
