Gender crossover of lung function

Background:  Although standard values of lung function are used for screening pulmonary diseases, only a few studies have been reported in the elderly. Methods:  In this study, lung function in subjects below and above 65 years of age was analysed and the decline in lung function was compared according to age, between those below and those above 65 years. Results:  Lung function below 65 years declined more in males than in females in both vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The decline in lung function was greater in females more than 65 years of age, compared with those less than 65 years. In males, the decline in FEV1 was less for those more than 65 years than for those below 65 years, although the decline in VC showed a similar tendency to that of females. Conclusions:  Selective survival may influence lung function more in men than in women. The gender difference of survival should be considered when estimating standard values, such as lung function, in the elderly.