The ageing lung as a threat to senior independence

Breathing difficulty can be an age-associated condition with multiple causes and is predictive of adverse health outcomes.⁶ In turn, this can undermine the ability of older adults to live independently

Breathing difficulty is one of the most common reasons for ambulance callouts and medical alarm activations.^1,2 For older adults, breathlessness comprises a major proportion of cases presenting to an emergency department and contributes to a high rate of hospital admission.³

These statistics may reflect the anxiety and panic associated with ‘air hunger’, the most distressing form of breathlessness, which is assumed to activate neural pathways involved in post-traumatic stress disorder.⁴ Additionally, breathing difficulty has been linked to time-critical health conditions, including cardiac and respiratory diseases.⁵

Breathing difficulty can be an age-associated condition with multiple causes and is predictive of adverse health outcomes.⁶ In turn, this can undermine the ability of older adults to live independently. Many of the mechanisms underlying breathing difficulty in older adults can be attributed to the natural ageing of the lungs and supporting structures.^6,7

Loss of respiratory muscle and diaphragm strength (respiratory sarcopenia) with advancing age can lead to loss of lung function, impaired ability to cough, and increased susceptibility to acute and chronic lung diseases in older adults.^7,8 Indeed, impaired lung function is a predictor of morbidity and mortality.⁷

Evidence also suggests that the ageing lung is at increased risk for adverse health effects from environmental insults, such as environmental pollution, tobacco smoke, and respiratory pathogens, which can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions.⁸

The combination of reduced cough strength, due to anatomical changes, respiratory muscle atrophy and mucociliary dysfunction contribute to poor clearance of small and large particles from the airways in older individuals.⁹ At the same time, complex changes in the pulmonary immune system can contribute to increased susceptibility to lung infections.

Older Kiwis want to live in their own homes to maintain their autonomy, sense of security, and identity.¹⁰ Early medical intervention can be a critical factor in reducing the risk of long-term adverse health outcomes that can result from acute breathing difficulty, including the potential psychological trauma and anxiety, which can represent a threat to independent living.

A St John Medical Alarm, as part of an overall care plan for your older patients, will provide them with 24/7 access to help with the simple press of a button if they experience acute breathlessness, giving them the peace of mind and confidence to live an independent life at home.

Your patients are eligible for a free trial and referral is a straightforward process through your Practice Management System via Healthlink or ERMS.

For more information go to stjohnalarms.org.nz/hcp