Written By: Muskan Gupta | Updated : November 12, 2025 11:03 AM IST
Veteran actor Dharmendra's recent health scare has once again drawn attention to how breathing problems can become a serious concern with age. The 89-year-old star has been reportedly facing problems while breathing which also aware that such symptoms should never be ignored, especially after the age of 60. The cause of the breathing problems may be mild allergies to severe lung or heart problems.
The lungs and respiratory muscles become weaker as an individual advances in years of age and thus breathing might become difficult during an activity or even during rest. It also dilutes the natural immune mechanism of the body making the human body vulnerable to infection and other complications. This age group tends to have conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure which causes the person to experience breathlessness regularly.
Elderly individuals tend to dismiss the symptoms at their onset, on the premise that they are normal age. It should be noted, though, that these red flags should be detected at the very beginning:
When exercise causes difficulty breathing even with short walks or climbing a staircase the problem can be related to either a lung or a heart problem.
A chronic cough may be a symptom of bronchitis, asthma, or COPD.
A whistling sound during breathing may indicate that the airways are inflamed.
This may be associated with respiratory issues as well as heart issues.
Low oxygen levels tend to make one tired and less energetic.
The lack of attention to these signs may delay the diagnosis and complicate treatment in the future.
In case an individual suddenly feels out of breath, pain in the chest, lips and fingertips turn blue, in such cases the person should immediately consult a doctor. Frequent medical examinations, lung volume measurements, and heart assessments may assist in the detection of problems at an early stage of their development and in avoiding severe consequences.
Simple lifestyle habits can help maintain good lung health:
With proper care at the right time, the majority of respiratory problems can be easily managed and the elderly can enjoy a comfortable and active life.
