These changes occur progressively as a healthy individual grows older and are most marked beyond 60 years of age. Perhaps more importantly, because the age-related decrements in respiratory system function can be unmasked by disease, it is critically important to point out that the aged: (1) have an enhanced predisposition to lung disease (2) have a decreasing reserve of respiratory system function that decreases their ability to cope with the stresses of illness, injury, and surgery and (3) may have differing responses to therapy when compared with their younger counterparts.Įven in individuals who enjoy apparently good health, there are measurable decrements in function of the respiratory system with age. With the increasing longevity of human population, it is necessary to understand the effects of aging on the respiratory system in healthy people. The largest decrements in age-adjusted death rates have been occurring in older patients. Since the 1950s, the median age of the US population has increased by 20 years. In the 2010 census, this segment comprised 16% of the population. The fastest growing segment of the US population consists of individuals of age 65 and older.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |