Lung capacity refers to the maximum amount of air that your lungs can hold, which is a feature youd typically associate with being physically fit. Meanwhile, lung function refers to how well youre breathing; for example, how quickly you can inhale and exhale air from your lungs and how effectively your lungs both oxygenate and remove carbon dioxide from your blood.
If your lungs are either not able to hold enough air or move oxygen into the blood quick enough to meet the demand of your body, a common physiological response is being short of breath, Curran says.
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnoea, can be caused by a variety of health conditions affecting the lungs, heart or other health systems. For example, shortness of breath is a common symptom of COPD. But breathlessness can be associated with age, weight or just a lack of fitness, rather than a lung condition.
That said, while lung function may decline with age, Curran says if youre experiencing any new, persistent and unexplained symptoms such as breathlessness, dont ignore them. She advises using the Lung Health Checklist, which takes just two minutes to complete online, to help you better understand your symptoms.
If you get out of breath more easily than others your own age, or experience any sudden difficulties in breathing, its really important that you discuss it further with your GP, she says. You can download your checklist results from the Lung Foundation Australia website and take it to your doctor to help you start a conversation about your lung health.
Curran says getting regular exercise can improve lung function in those with or without a lung condition, and reduce breathlessness in people with chronic lung conditions. To put it simply, the more you exercise, the easier itll become to breathe freely while exercising. In fact, the Australian physical activity guidelines recommend that people aged 60 and above ensure theyre active on most days (preferably all), by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate activity.
Curran recommends doing aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming most days of the week, and strength-based exercises twice a week. Dont know where to start on strength training? Curran recommends introducing squats, step-ups, wall push-ups and bicep curls into your routine.
To help you ease into strength training, Lung Foundation Australia has a Maintaining Movement Series of instructional videos for easy exercises you can do at home all you need is your bodyweight and a little bit of space. Of course, its important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program or if you are looking to increase your current level of activity, especially if you have an existing lung condition.
Older people who live a much more sedentary lifestyle might find embarking on an exercise program difficult, so Curran recommends some strategies to reduce your sedentary time. This can be as simple as finding ways to include incidental activities throughout your day, such as marching on the spot whilst the kettle is boiling, walking around the clothesline a few times when hanging the washing out or doing a few extra laps of the shopping centre. Remember to think of all types of activity as a chance to improve your health, she advises.
And if youre not a fan of working out at home, Lung Foundation Australia also runs community-based exercise maintenance classes all over the country for people who have completed pulmonary rehabilitation. Lungs in Action classes provide exercise training for people with chronic lung conditions or heart failure.
Lungs in Action is a great way to stay connected and keep on top of your exercise regime, Curran says.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesnt take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means its not personalised health advice and shouldnt be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
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Protect your lung health with smart diet and exercise choices - Starts at 60
