The change of lung capacity in elderly women caused by life span

Abstract

[Purpose] Although lung capacity in the elderly is affected by age, little research has been performed studying decreasing lung capacity in relation to increasing life expectancy. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increased life span on the lung capacity of women. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 55 healthy elderly women over 60 years of age who were living in Busan. Subjects were classified in the following age categories: 60s, 70s and 80s. For the pulmonary function test, a spirometry (Pony FX, COSMED Inc., Italy) was used. The item for measurement of pulmonary function in elderly women was maximum-effort expiratory spirogram (MES). The pulmonary function test was performed 3 times, and its mean value was used for analysis. [Results] Among items of maximum-effort expiratory spirogram, a significant difference according to age was demonstrated in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow, maximum expiratory flow 75%, maximum expiratory flow 50%, and inspiratory capacity. [Conclusion] According to this study, lung capacity decreases remarkably as age increases. In conclusion, a continuous exercise program beginning at an early age is essential to prevent decrease in lung capacity as age progresses.

A Survey of Dementia Knowledge and Recognition of Dementia Prevention and Practice in Healthy Older Adults

“…Decreased physical function, including age-related lower limb muscle weakness [ 12 ], decreased walking balance ability [ 13 ], and decreased lung capacity [ 14 ], has been reported in older adults. This may also indicate characteristics that differ by chronological age in the awareness of dementia prevention and practice frequency of preventive behaviors.…”

Association between knee extensor strength and pulmonary function in the female elderly

“…Aging is strongly associated with older adults’ respiratory disturbances, and pulmonary function decreases as aging progresses 1 ) . Aging decreases the size of the thoracic cage and weakens respiratory muscles, which in turn diminishes total lung capacity and coughing ability.…”