ABSTRACT
Age has a marked effect on lung function but in a relatively predictable way. This chapter outlines what we know of the processes involved, by considering how ageing affects the alveoli, the conducting airways, the chest wall, gas exchange and, finally, breathing control. It explains the main age-related changes affecting the lungs. The principal observed change in the lungs with age is an increase in alveolar size without any inflammation or alveolar wall destruction. Age-related changes in the respiratory muscles and the characteristics of the chest wall affect ventilation. Age-related changes in the control of ventilation might influence the response to exercise in older subjects and might affect the propensity to develop sleep-related disordered breathing. With age there is an expected reduction in exercise capacity, which is mainly related to changes in cardiovascular performance and not due to any reduction the gas-exchanging properties of the lungs.
