Lung Aging: How It Affects Respiratory Function World Lung Day

As individuals age, lung aging is a natural process that can gradually impact respiratory function. This aging process involves structural changes in the lungs, such as decreased elasticity of lung tissues and a reduction in the number of functional alveoli. These changes can lead to decreased lung...

• With age, the respiratory system undergoes anatomical, physiological, and immunological changes, beginning in infancy and continuing throughout life. Lung function, including spirometry, diffusion, and total lung capacity, improves until around 20 years of age and remains steady until 35. However, after that, FEV1 decreases approximately 27 ml per year, which is significant. FVC also decreases, typically between 14 to 30 ml per year, depending on exercise and lifestyle.