{"id":68540,"date":"2017-08-09T16:39:01","date_gmt":"2017-08-09T16:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/aging-effects-respiratory-system-understanding-copd\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T19:08:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T19:08:48","slug":"aging-effects-respiratory-system-understanding-copd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/aging-effects-respiratory-system-understanding-copd\/","title":{"rendered":"How Aging Effects The Respiratory System: Understanding COPD"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic lower respiratory diseases are the third most common cause of death for those 65 years of age and older.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Have you ever noticed the older someone gets, the more they may cough or wheeze? Maybe your senior loved one\u2019s breathing sounds a little more labored? A slight change in our breathing patterns or an occasional cough isn\u2019t something to automatically raise alarm, but more something that needs to be monitored. We all age, and our bodies slow down, but at what point does aging become an illness or disease?<\/p>\n

Harder to Breathe for Seniors: The Role Of The Respiratory System <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis. Its primary role, allowing the intake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide as waste, can\u2019t be understated, but the respiratory system also plays an important part in regulating aspects of vocalization and our sense of smell.<\/p>\n

And yet, despite its immense efficiency and vital contributions, the respiratory system is ultimately something we tend to take for granted \u2013 that is, until it begins to work at anything less than an optimum level. This is especially true as we begin to age, due in part to the decline in functionality.<\/p>\n

Age-Related Changes For Seniors In The Respiratory System<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Our lungs fully mature by the age of 25, but by age 35, their alveoli \u2013 the air sacs that regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide \u2013 begin to lose shape and form. Additionally, as the lung\u2019s muscle tissue loses elasticity, airways close off which then hinders the distribution of oxygen. Both changes cause air to become trapped in the lungs, making breathing much more difficult.<\/p>\n

The nervous system also goes through a number of changes as we age. For instance, the portion of the brain that regulates breathing can begin to experience diminished functionality. As a result, carbon dioxide collects in the lungs. There can also be reduced sensitivity of the nerves that trigger coughing in the airways. This can cause a significant buildup of particles in the lungs.<\/p>\n

Oxygen levels can also decrease as our bones change shape and become thinner. The ribcage, for example, is not able to expand and contract as efficiently during the breathing process. Additionally, the diaphragm \u2013 pivotal in regulating air in and out of the lungs \u2013 can begin to weaken, negatively affecting inhalation\/exhalation.<\/p>\n

In addition to the age-related changes, there are other factors \u2013 smoking, exposure to air pollutants, and genetics \u2013 that can exacerbate the effects of these changes and lead to life-threatening conditions or diseases.<\/p>\n

What Is COPD In Seniors?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the most severe respiratory diseases, one that primarily affects people between the age of 65 and 74, is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to Statistics Canada there are over 1.5 million Canadians who have been diagnosed with COPD. But despite its commonality, COPD is quite serious and can significantly impact quality of life.<\/p>\n

COPD technically includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, and is caused by blocked airways. It can cause a number of symptoms, including:<\/p>\n