Protecting Respiratory Health: Tips for Seniors

Getting older is a fact of life, and as we age, just like the rest of our body, our lungs also undergo natural changes. That's why seniors must be mindful of protecting their respiratory health and having the necessary resources and information they need to make well-informed decisions. At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide patients with the guidance and care it takes to breathe easier. 

How aging can affect your lungs and respiratory health

With age, weaker breathing muscles and reduced elasticity in lung tissues can result in lower lung capacity and less efficient oxygen exchange and make it harder to breathe deeply. Seniors are also more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, and the flu, though the impact varies with overall health and lifestyle.

Of course, chronic conditions and lifestyle play a significant role in lung health over time. For example, smoking accelerates lung damage, increasing one's risk for several conditions affecting respiratory health and contributing to diseases like cancer and COPD. Likewise, a lifestyle that includes excessive drinking contributes to weakened immunity and raises one's risk for respiratory infections.

Some helpful tips for healthy lungs

The good news is that seniors can protect their respiratory health and improve their quality of life by adopting healthy habits and taking some easy preventive measures. 

We offer the following advice for daily practices and preventive measures to support better respiratory health:

• Stay Active: Engaging in light exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve lung capacity and circulation.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Set aside few minutes daily to practice slow, deep breathing to strengthen your lungs.
• Get Annual Checkups: Prevention and early detection are essential for maintaining optimal health. Report any breathing issues to your doctor. Follow up on any recommendations to screen for lung cancer or disease.
• Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Tobacco damages lung tissue, while secondhand smoke can be equally harmful.
• Be mindful of air quality outside and indoors: Avoid exposure to air pollution and other airborne environmental toxins. The air quality indoors also matters. Keep your house free of secondhand smoke, household chemicals, mold, and other potential hazards affecting respiratory health. 
• Set up a Humidifier: Dry air can irritate the lungs, especially during winter. A nearby humidifier helps keep moisture in the air.
• Get Vaccinated: Preventing illness is key to staying healthy, and annual flu shots and the pneumonia vaccine are crucial for seniors. Your doctor may suggest additional immunizations, including vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV.
• Wash Your Hands: Frequent handwashing prevents the spread of germs that can cause respiratory infections.
• Avoid Sick Contacts: Limit exposure to people who are ill, especially during cold and flu season.

The changing seasons

Remember, every season can pose unique challenges depending on where you live. It's winter now in the northeast—so wear a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm cold air before it reaches your lungs. When Spring arrives, minimize outdoor activity during high pollen days to avoid triggering allergies or asthma. In the summer, stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during extreme heat or poor air quality days. And finally, as the summer ends and the fall season begins, be mindful of changing temperatures and potential allergens like mold and pollen.

When it comes to respiratory health, be proactive!

By following these tips, seniors can enjoy better respiratory health year-round. At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, our specialty is helping get the care they need to enjoy better respiratory health.