Health Consequences of Air Pollution on the Older Adults

Nowadays, the air we breathe is tainted, and the consequences of exhaling such poor air quality can be beyond words can explain. It is not wrong to say that most highly developed cities are choking, and it's all thanks to air pollution. While air pollution doesn't discriminate and influence people of all ages equally, our elderly, like our parents or grandparents, are more at risk.

Breathing in polluted air for longer can cause many health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and increased risks for diabetes. If you are still not sure how our elderly have the most burden and what can be done to manage their health and mitigate its harmful effects, this blog has got all the answers for you. So, without any further delays, let's get started.

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Air Pollution - Why Elderly Adults Are At Higher Risk?

Our grandparents are more at risk of getting into the grip of the harmful impacts of air pollution. It is because of:

• This might not be our grandparents' first exposure to harmful, toxins-filled air. Over a lifetime, they must have been exposed to it for longer than the younger ones, which can result in the gradual development of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
• Aging can have a direct impact on our immune health, making it less effective at defending the body against various pollutants available in the environment. This weakened immunity can lead to increased vulnerability to respiratory infections caused or exacerbated by air pollution.
• Your age is increasing, but it declines your lung's ability to function at its optimized level. The decreased lung capacity and efficiency also decrease older people's ability to filter and expel airborne pollutants. It can further cause breathing problems.

In short, no matter how strong they pretend to be, our grandparents are at higher risk. But do you know what those risks are? What does air pollution do to elderly adults? Well, if you nod no, we've got you. Scroll down to find out how air pollution affects their overall well-being.

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Health Implications Of Air Pollution On Elderly Adults:

The impact may vary for every individual and cause several problems, such as:

• Respiratory Problems: You must have seen or heard several elderly complaining about breathing issues; it is not just aging that we should blame; the real culprit is air pollution. Air pollution raises the chance of respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can decrease lung function, causing frequent coughing and breathlessness.
• Cardiovascular Issues: There are no two opinions about it: excess air pollution exposure contributes to severe cardiovascular diseases. According to studies, exposure to PM 2.5 and other pollutants aggravates heart disease or stroke.
• Low-Energy Levels: Our body uses more energy to combat the effects of air pollution and needs more energy to breathe or maintain bodily functions, which can leave elderly adults feeling drained. It contributes to general but persistent fatigue and low energy.
• High Risk Of Diabetes: Yes, we are not lying. According to recent studies, prolonged exposure to air pollution also contributes to a higher risk of diabetes. It can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration of the gut Microbiome, which affects the body's ability to regulate glucose levels, leading to accumulation of it in the body and a higher risk of diabetes.
• Cognitive Decline: Moreover, as per recent studies, air pollution and cognitive decline in elderly adults have a potential link. Prolonged exposure to PM 2.5 or other pollutants present in the air may increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. It contributes to mental fatigue and low energy.
• Increased Mortality: Air pollution affects their health and contributes to higher risks of premature death. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can adversely affect health, leading to a higher mortality rate in this age group.

Taking care of health at every stage is essential. Still, it becomes vital for elderly adults, who are more vulnerable to several health problems due to pollution or other factors.

Now the question is, what are the ways that can help mitigate the risks? You are on the right page if you are looking for the same answer. Scroll down to find:

Protecting Elderly Health: Strategies to Minimize Air Pollution's Effects

While the problem is widespread, there is a problem there is prevention. We just need to look for it. Here are some practical yet most effective ways to help elderly adults mitigate the impact of air pollution. So, let's learn them:

• Stay Informed: There is an old saying that awareness is the first step toward change. Therefore, being aware of the air quality in your area is essential to take preventive measures accordingly. On days when air quality is degraded, limit outdoor activities, which can otherwise cause several health hazards.
• Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensuring your home is well-ventilated allows fresh air to circulate, diluting indoor pollutants and maintaining better air quality.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Limiting your outdoor activity, especially when the pollution is at its peak, is essential to keep yourself safe against the harmful impacts of air pollution.
• Create A Clean Indoor Environment: Moreover, maintain a clean and safe indoor environment by minimizing the use of any product that releases indoor air pollutants to keep your elders safe.
• Switch To A Balanced Diet: A diet with all the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps the body cope with the effects of air pollution, which can have negative impacts.
• Encourage Physical Activity: While outdoor exercises should be avoided or limited, encourage your elderly adults to indulge in exercise to improve overall health.
• Stay Hydrated: Keep your hydration level up, as it may help your body flush out the toxins to maintain overall health and prevent possible health implications.
• Do Not Miss Routine Health Checkup: Keep track of your health with routine health checkups. It will help you identify growing abnormalities (if any) so you can take preventive measures while there is still time.

Before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, consult your healthcare practitioner.

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Conclusion:

Air pollution poses a significant threat to health, especially among older people. Recognizing their vulnerability and taking preventive measures to reduce exposure to polluted air is essential. With a proactive approach and routine checkups, we can help protect older people from the adverse effects of air pollution.