Frailty in ageing populations worsened by air pollution, global review finds | Air pollution

Atmospheric pollution increases the probability that people become fragile in the middle and old age, according to an international review of studies.

People live longer and, although it is often painted as a challenge for health systems, is also something to celebrate. There are many opportunities to increase the quality of life in old age, maximize independence and minimize the time spent badly.

Dr. Zahra Jafari, from the University of Dalhousie and co-author of the journal, said: “Fragility is a critical result for health that requires urgent attention, in particular with an aging population. It is linked to increased vulnerability, loss of independence and higher health costs. It is important remains.

The examination team found 10 studies that have examined outdoor air pollution and fragility. The people studied came from 11 countries, including China, the United Kingdom, Sweden, South Africa and Mexico. Two of the studies have shown that men were more vulnerable than women, with a stronger association between particle pollution and fragility.

The risk of fragility has increased with pollution of external particles. For the United Kingdom, this could mean that around 10 to 20% of fragility cases are attributable to air pollution.

The exposure to used smoking was the environmental factor which presented the greatest risk of fragility. The risk of fragility was increased by around 60% for people who breathed the smoke of others at home.

The use of solid fuels for cooking or domestic heating also included an additional risk of fragility. It was about half of the risk of living with a smoker, based on studies in six countries.

Otto-Emil JUTILA from the University of Edinburgh, which was not involved in the journal, said: “Ensure clean air, energy of clean households and smoke-free environments, especially in highly exposed communities, is the key. Since the fragility can be reversible, the reduction of these exhibitions can extend years of independence and facilitate pressure on health and social services. ”

The examination adds to the evidence of the preventable health burden that air pollution requires the elderly.

In 2023, an advisory committee of the government found evidence that air pollution added to the burden of dementia. He called for an audit of existing policies to accelerate actions that reduce exposure to air pollution throughout people’s lives, including low -pollution school areas and the development of communities adapted to dementia. The report also called for health, and in particular brain health, to be part of Net Zero strategies.

A British study of 360,000 people aged 40 to 69 found an association between living in a polluted area and having more than one chronic disease. These were 20% additional opportunities for multiple long -term diseases for those who live with particle pollution.

Other studies have shown that air pollution is accelerating osteoporosis in menopausal women.