Aging Changes in the Lungs

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Effect of changes

Maximum lung function decreases with age. The amount of oxygen diffusing from the air sacs into the blood decreases, the rate of air flow through the airways slowly declines after age 30, and the maximal force one is able to achieve on inspiration and expiration decreases. Usual breathing should remain adequate, and even a very old person should, under most circumstances, be able to breathe without effort.

However, when there is a need for increased breathing, the lungs may not be able to keep up with the demand. As aging continues, there may be a decreased capacity for exercise, and high altitude may cause problems.

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.

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 in women and increased 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.