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Impact of Pollution on Elders and How to Tackle It



Evolution has taught our body how to protect from the environmental hazards. However, these lessons lose their value as the body gets old and it eventually succumbs the complications caused by the pollution of various life sources such as air and water. Pollution is the problem of all mankind but it is elders and children who get affected the most by it.  

With increased urban living, air pollution has become a great risk for seniors’ health. Aggravating the chances of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases air pollution is the major contributor behind asthma and lung cancer. Alarmingly, the results of many researches are suggesting that air pollution is also responsible for stroke and heart diseases.  

Why Pollution is a Threat for the Health of the Elders 

  • Ageing slows down the functionality of each body part. The pollutants filtration capacity of the lungs gets diminished as we age and there are many chances for the pollutants to reach the cells of the organs.  
  • The weakened immunity also plays its role in making the elderly lives vulnerable to the unhealthy environmental conditions. 
  • Not just the internal organs but seniors might face dire consequences in the form of itchy skin and eye-related health issues. 
  • Smaller particle pollution has greater potential to impact the health of older adults. This has been linked to premature death, asthma attacks, cardiac arrhythmias and heart-related health conditions.  
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) cases are on high in India, especially in senior citizens.  
  • Hospitalization due to air pollution is higher in seniors compared to any other age group. In many cases, hospitalization due to ARDS and fine particle pollution can be fatal.  

Ways to Tackle Air Pollutions 
Even though the consequences of air pollution can be fatal, seniors can prevent it by taking the following measures. These are same measures that are being followed by assisted living facilities and senior living communities across the globe.  

  • Constantly Measure the Pollution Levels – Monitoring the pollution levels for seniors is important considering their health conditions. Especially, seniors with chronic health issues are at greater risk of worsening their condition. Take preventive measures by providing masks and air filters in the living spaces.  

  • Pollution Aids in Senior Living Areas – There are various aids that help in purifying the air for seniors. Install them in the areas where seniors live. Oxygen purifiers are widely available in today’s markets that filter harmful particles from air. If required, seniors could also use oxygen cylinders based on the health condition.  

  • Avoid Avoidable Air Pollutants – Smoking also considered as one of the air pollutants. Do not smoke in the areas where elders and children are stationed. Passive smoking has become one of the dangerous health consequences. Avoid smoking completely. If you have to smoke, do it only in the dedicated areas.  

  • Masks and Sunglasses – Cover your face and hands when you have to go outside and use facemasks in order to avoid air pollution. Seniors who are experiencing lung-related health issues need to avoid going out in the peak traffic hours as these times register a high number of air pollution.  

  • Plantation and Greenery – It is hard to fell ill for the life that is lived close to the nature. We are living in concrete jungles that are far from the nature. However, try to make space for plants and gardens. Natural oxygen is the first thing you would want if you want to call it a healthy living.  

Developing economies, like India, are facing the consequences of air and water pollution more than the developed countries. The hazardous emissions from the factories, powerplants and motor vehicles are causing more damage to the health of the senior citizens. 

Follow these precautions for a holistic living experience. Healthy aging covers all aspects of life and focus on minimizing the external impact by lowering the complications of it. 

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