In short: Your lungs change over the years. Lung function declines gradually, and so does physical fitness. Part of this is natural, but a rapid decline, new breathlessness or fatigue on exertion are not "just age". Simple monitoring and appropriate prevention help maintain good breathing and independence for years.
What is normal with age
From the mid-twenties onwards, the volume exhaled in the first second (FEV1) declines gradually and slowly. In smokers the decline is faster. Maximal oxygen uptake during exercise (VO2max) also decreases with age, and depends to a large extent on the level of physical activity.
A faster-than-expected decline, breathlessness during exertion that used to be easy, or a persistent cough are a reason to get checked, not something to simply accept.
Spirometry as a baseline
A simple spirometry test provides a reference point. Comparing it with later tests makes it possible to detect change early, even before it is felt. The test is performed at the clinic during the visit. About spirometry
Cardiorespiratory fitness and VO2max
Heart and lung fitness, measured as VO2max, is one of the strongest predictors of health and life expectancy. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) measures it directly and also shows what is limiting your exercise capacity. We interpret the test and translate it into practical recommendations for physical activity.
Biological age: myth and reality
"Biological age" and "physiological age" are popular concepts. An exercise test can compare your fitness with the average for your age group, which is useful for follow-up and for tailoring training. But there is no single number that determines "how old you really are". What matters is the trend over time, and what can be improved.
Prevention
- Regular physical activity, including aerobic and strength training
- Stopping smoking, at any age
- Vaccinations: influenza, pneumococcal and RSV according to age and risk factors, and COVID-19 according to current recommendations
- Good sleep, and investigation of snoring and pauses in breathing
- Low-dose CT for people who have smoked and meet the criteria
Frequently asked questions
Is a decline in fitness with age inevitable?
Some decline is natural, but much of it is related to reduced activity. Tailored training can improve fitness at any age.
How often should lung function be tested?
Routine testing is not needed for everyone. People who smoke or have smoked, people with lung disease or symptoms, or those starting a training programme later in life, can benefit from a baseline test and follow-up.
Related topics
General information only; it does not replace a medical consultation. עברית