Delhi’s poisonous air can be dangerous for the elderly, study found direct connection of disability with pollution

New Delhi: A new research conducted in America has shown that due to prolonged exposure to pollution, the elderly may face difficulties in doing daily tasks. 15,411 people were included in the research. For this research he/she was monitored for eight years. Research found that 48% of people aged 65 years and above faced new difficulties in doing daily work due to pollution.

Direct effect of air pollution on the elderly
Research has found pollutants like PM2.5, PM10-2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in high amounts, which has increased the risk of problems in daily activities. However, regarding ozone (O3) it has been said that there is less risk. Researchers say our study shows that exposure to air pollution may be an important but often overlooked cause of the development of physical disabilities in the elderly.Risk of inflammation in lungs
Doctors in Delhi have also agreed that pollution increases the risk of physical disability in the elderly. Dr. Akshay Budhraja, senior consultant and head of respiratory and sleep medicine at Aakash Healthcare, said that inhaling pollutants like PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.

Dr. Akshay further said that its effect is not only on the breathing system but on the entire body. These changes may be more harmful for the elderly, as they are more likely to suffer the consequences of oxidative stress. Dr. Arunesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Paras Health, said that with increasing age in the elderly aged 65 years and above, there is a natural decline in organ function and immunity.

Risk of heart disease and diabetes also
Dr. Arunesh said that people in this age group are also more likely to have diseases like heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, which make them more sensitive to the harmful effects of pollution. Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu, senior consultant, pulmonology, Narayana Hospital, explained that ADLs are basic self-care tasks that people perform to maintain their independence and take care of themselves.

Dr. Satya further explained that these include eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, getting up from bed or chair and walking. As people age, their muscle mass, bone density and organ function naturally decline. Long-term exposure to air pollutants causes these bodily systems to deteriorate, increasing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and cognitive decline.

Advice to the elderly to do this
Dr. Satya explained that these factors reduce physical abilities, making it difficult for the elderly to perform ADLs. Dr Nikhil Modi, senior consultant, department of respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said it is advised to stay indoors on days with high levels of pollution, use air purifiers and avoid going out. Wear protective masks at all times. Dr Nikhil also highlighted the importance of managing chronic diseases through proper medical care, such as using prescribed inhalers or oxygen therapy, which can help reduce the negative effects of pollution on health.