Aging changes in the lungs

An important change for many older people is that the airways close more readily. The airways tend to collapse when an older person breathes shallowly or when in bed for a prolonged time. Breathing shallowly because of pain, illness, or surgery causes an increased risk for pneumonia or other lung problems. As a result, it is important for older people to be out of bed as much as possible, even when ill or after surgery.

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Normally, breathing is controlled by your brain. It receives information from various parts of the body telling it how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in the blood. Low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels trigger an increased rate and depth of breathing. It is normal for even healthy older people to have a reduced response to both decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels.

The voice box (larynx) also changes with aging. This causes the pitch, loudness, and quality of the voice to change. The voice may become quieter and slightly hoarse. The pitch may be decreased (becoming lower) in women and increased (becoming higher) in men. The voice may sound "weaker," but most people remain quite capable of effective communication. Some people may be emotionally sensitive to the voice's perceived loss of appeal or effectiveness.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Elderly people are at increased risk for lung infections. The body has many ways to protect against lung infections. With aging, these defenses may weaken.

The cough reflex may not trigger as readily, and the cough may be less forceful. The hairlike projections that line the airway (cilia) are less able to move mucus up and out of the airway. In addition, the nose and breathing passages secrete less of a substance called IgA (an antibody that protects against viruses). Thus, the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and other types of lung infections.

Common lung problems in the elderly include chronically low oxygen levels (reducing tolerance to illness), decreased exercise tolerance, abnormal breathing patterns including sleep apnea (episodes of no breathing during sleep), increased risk of lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and diseases caused by tobacco damage such as emphysema or lung cancer.

PREVENTION

Avoidance of smoking is the most important way to minimize the effect of aging on the lungs. Exercise and good overall fitness improve breathing capacity. Exercise tolerance can be affected by changes in the heart, blood vessels, muscles, and skeleton, as well as lung changes. However, studies have shown that exercise and training can improve the reserve capacity of the lungs.

Secondly, more than any other group the elderly need to be aware of the need to be up and about and should consciously try to increase deep breathing during illness or after surgery.

Continued use of the voice helps maintain overall vocal performance.