Aging Changes in the Lungs

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Aging changes

An average person continues to slowly make new alveoli until about age 20. After this age, the lungs begin to lose some of their tissue. The number of alveoli decreases, and there is a corresponding decrease in lung capillaries. The lungs also become less elastic due to various factors including the loss of a tissue protein called elastin.

Changes in the bones and muscles result in a slightly increased front-to-back chest diameter. Loss of bone mass in the ribs and vertebrae, and mineral deposits in the rib cartilage, change the spine curvature. There may be side-to-side curvature (kyphosis) or increased front-to-back curvature (scoliosis) or lordosis.

The maximal force one can generate on inspiration or expiration decreases with age, as the diaphragm and muscles between the ribs (intercostals) become weaker. The chest is less able to stretch to breathe, and the pattern of breathing may change slightly to compensate for decreased ability to expand the chest.