Pulmonary Functions in the Elderly

The effects of age on pulmonary functions were studied. The pulmonary functions include conventional pulmonary functions and the defense mechanisms of aspiration. Vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at one second decrease with age in subjects without smoking history. Defense mechanisms decreased markedly in elderly subjects with pneumonia, but were not decreased in healthy elderly subjects. Since pulmonary functions are not reversible, air pollution as well as smoking should be avoided as much as possible.