Air Pollution: Elderly And Their Vulnerability To It

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health, and it affects people of all ages. However, vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, are more susceptible to its harmful effects. As people age, their bodies become less resilient, and their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to the adverse impacts of air pollution. This is especially true for the elderly who already have pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and diabetes. Exposure to air pollution can worsen these conditions, leading to increased hospitalisations, medication use, and even death.

Elderly people are more vulnerable to particulate matter (PM) than other pollutants

Secondly, older adults, especially women, are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and age-related diseases due to long-term exposure to PM. Research has shown a correlation between PM exposure and impaired cognitive function in the elderly, with a specific vulnerability observed in women. This is attributed to the ability of PM to cross the blood-brain barrier and negatively impact the central nervous system through inflammation and extracellular vesicle deregulation.

Additionally, older adults may have limited mobility, which increases their risk of exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants. They are more likely to reside in older buildings with poor ventilation, increasing their vulnerability to indoor air pollutants such as bacteria and mold. Furthermore, their compromised immune systems make them more susceptible to severe illnesses from air pollution, especially respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

While air pollution poses health risks to people of all ages, the elderly are more vulnerable to the specific effects of particulate matter. The correlation between PM exposure and cognitive decline, as well as the exacerbation of existing medical conditions, underscores the need for policy changes and increased public awareness to mitigate the impact of air pollution on this vulnerable population.

Air pollution is linked with heart failure and strokes in older people

Older adults are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. As people age, their bodies become less able to compensate for the effects of certain environmental hazards, such as air pollution.

Air pollution is a complex mixture of thousands of components from various sources. The main pollutants currently recognized to pose health risks include airborne particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants such as ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). These pollutants can have detrimental health effects on older adults, especially during physical activities.

Extensive evidence shows that air pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure in susceptible people, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. The risk of death is greater with long-term exposure. Air pollution has been found to contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the artery walls that can restrict blood flow to the heart and other major blood vessels. This can lead to cardiovascular events and increase the likelihood of heart-related issues in older adults.

Additionally, air pollution can worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, which are more prevalent in older adults. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and acute respiratory infections. Older adults living in buildings with poor ventilation may also be at higher risk of exposure to indoor air pollutants, including bacteria and mold, which can further exacerbate respiratory issues. Overall, air pollution poses a significant risk to the health of older adults, particularly in terms of cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Exposure to air pollution is associated with cognitive decline in older people

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. As people age, their bodies become less able to compensate for the effects of certain environmental hazards, such as air pollution. This is especially true for older adults with pre-existing health conditions, limited mobility, or those taking certain medications.

Several studies have found a link between air pollution and cognitive decline in older adults. For example, a 2019 report by the Alzheimer's Society outlined a possible connection between air pollution and dementia, and a 2017 Lancet commission included air pollution as a potential risk factor for the disease. While a direct causal link has not been proven, an increasing body of evidence suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) are the most investigated pollutants in this context. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to a decline in cognitive function, particularly in the verbal domain, with men and less educated individuals being more affected. The negative impact of air pollution on verbal test scores was found to be more pronounced in older cohorts compared to younger ones.

Additionally, ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been shown to negatively affect different cognitive functions throughout the lifespan, with general memory being mostly affected in older adults. The global health burden of dementia and cognitive decline may be reduced if public health policies aim to decrease air pollution levels. However, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and inform more specific recommendations.

Elderly people with pre-existing diseases are more susceptible to air pollution

Elderly people are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of certain environmental hazards, such as air pollution. Older adults are more likely to have health conditions that make them more sensitive to climate hazards like heat and air pollution, which can worsen their existing illnesses.

Research has shown that air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter increase the amount and seriousness of lung and heart disease and other health problems. The specific disease outcomes most strongly linked with exposure to air pollution include stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and cataract (household air pollution only). Air pollution can also worsen conditions like asthma and COPD and increase the risk of heart attacks for older adults, especially those who are diabetic or obese.

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) are the most investigated pollutants. Of the 75 health outcomes investigated, in 29, air pollution had harmful effects on the health of older adults during physical activities, more frequently in cardiovascular diseases. Studies have also shown that people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease are more responsive to PM than healthy individuals.

Additionally, older adults who live in buildings that are older or have poor ventilation may be more at risk for exposure to indoor air pollutants. These pollutants can include bacteria and mold caused by water damage from extreme weather events, such as floods and storm surges.

Air pollution can cause respiratory tract infections in older people

Air pollution is the presence of one or more contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities and durations that can be harmful to human health. The main route of exposure to air pollution is through the respiratory tract.

Older people are more vulnerable to air pollution, especially those with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Long-term exposure to particle pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to other organs, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells.

Studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of respiratory health effects, including respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and wheezing, as well as inflammation of the airways and lungs. The respiratory system has a remarkable resilience to air pollution, but constant exposure to elevated particle pollution will contribute to reduced respiratory function, even in healthy individuals.

Air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation in older people, particularly with spikes in particulate matter, which are also linked to an increased risk of stroke.

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