Why is wildfire smoke more dangerous for older adults?
Answer:
As you age, your lungs and cardiovascular system become less efficient at filtering pollutants and responding to stress. Older adults with heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or dementia face an even greater risk of breathing problems, heart complications, confusion, and hospitalization when air quality declines.