Which population is more susceptible to respiratory diseases?

Elderly individuals are indeed more susceptible to respiratory diseases for several reasons. As people age, their immune systems generally weaken, making it harder for them to fight off infections, including respiratory illnesses. Additionally, older adults often have underlying health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart disease, which can complicate respiratory health further.

Moreover, age-related changes in lung function, such as decreased lung elasticity and weakened respiratory muscles, contribute to an increased risk of respiratory problems. The elderly are often more prone to complications from infections like influenza or pneumonia, which can lead to severe health outcomes. Therefore, the combination of these factors—impaired immune response, pre-existing health conditions, and decreased lung function—results in a higher susceptibility to respiratory diseases in elderly individuals compared to other age groups.