Age-Related Changes that Impact Lung Function and Susceptibility to Respiratory Disorders include:

• Decreased elasticity: Loss of elastic fibers around alveoli reduces lung recoil and compliance, making exhalation less efficient.
• Vital capacity: Total volume of air exchanged decreases with age, especially noticeable during exertion, affecting performance.
• Arthritic joint changes: Reduced thoracic mobility due to joint stiffness limits lung expansion.
• Lung compliance: Decreases, affecting the ability to breathe deeply.

Structural and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Respiratory Health:

• Joint and rib cage restrictions: Arthritis can limit thoracic expansion.
• Environmental exposures: Smoking, industrial pollutants, and asbestos can cause persistent alveolar damage, loss of alveolar septa, and impair gas exchange.
• Alveolar destruction: Leads to emphysema, characterized by fewer alveolar walls, reduced surface area for gas exchange, and impaired oxygenation.

Summary of Age and Lifestyle Effects:

• Aging and environmental exposures contribute to decreased lung capacity, elasticity, and alveolar surface area.
• Such changes cause progressive decline in respiratory efficiency, increasing susceptibility to diseases like emphysema.

Note:

Effective management of respiratory diseases often involves monitoring these signs, diagnosing underlying causes, and applying therapies like oxygen supplementation, bronchodilators, or lifestyle modifications to mitigate damage.