RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This study intends to tackle some of the aspects of aging of the respiratory system's components at both structural and functional levels. The respiratory system is directly exposed to the environmental air, pumping ca 20000 liters of air through the lungs daily, which poses a formidable functional challenge. No wonder that respiratory health is linked to the quality of life and longevity of the elderly. All components of the respiratory system, aside from being affected by individuals' clinical history and habits, for instance smoking, are subject to the aging process.