Air Pollution Linked to Severe Lung Damage in 40% of Elderly Population

Rising air pollution is emerging as a major public health threat, with medical experts warning that nearly 40 percent of people above the age of 60 are suffering from serious lung-related disorders. Doctors state that the impact of pollution on senior citizens is almost three times higher than on younger age groups, significantly increasing cases of respiratory illnesses and pneumonia.

 

Medical specialists highlighted that a large proportion of elderly patients are experiencing asthma, breathing difficulties, lung infections, and pneumonia. According to experts, pollution generated from factories, construction activities, agricultural practices, and vehicular emissions is a key contributor to the deterioration of respiratory health. Reduced lung capacity, blocked airways, and frequent infections are increasingly being reported among older adults.

 

During a national conference organised by the Geriatric Society of India, senior doctors discussed the growing burden of age-related diseases and the urgent need for specialised care. Experts pointed out that respiratory illnesses now rank among the leading causes of death in elderly patients, following cardiac arrest, with pneumonia emerging as a major concern.

 

Doctors further noted that stress, declining immunity, and prolonged exposure to polluted environments worsen respiratory conditions in older individuals. Specialists emphasised the need for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and preventive healthcare to reduce complications. They also stressed the importance of expanding geriatric wards and training more geriatric specialists to address the rising healthcare demands of an ageing population.

 

Medical professionals also underlined the role of digital healthcare solutions in improving access to treatment for elderly patients. Digital health applications are increasingly being used to provide information on symptoms, physiotherapy, counselling, disease identification, and timely medical consultation. Such platforms are helping senior citizens receive medical advice and treatment without frequent hospital visits, thereby reducing inconvenience and improving overall healthcare access.

 

Experts concluded that while digital tools offer relief, controlling air pollution remains critical to safeguarding the health of senior citizens. Stronger policy measures, reduced emissions, and improved urban planning were identified as essential steps to prevent further deterioration of respiratory health among the elderly.