People age 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. In the 2010 census 16% of the population, 50 million people, were age 65 and older. That number is projected to increase to 66 million by the year 2050. Life expectancy has also increased, with recent CDC reports indicating life expectancy at 77.9 years. Age-adjusted death rates have decreased significantly with the largest changes occurring in older patients. Despite these trends, the 10 leading causes of death include several pulmonary etiologies including lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia.

Aging and Lung Disease: A Clinical Guide is devoted to understanding the impact of respiratory diseases in older patients. It includes reviews of physiology of the aging lung, allergy and immunology of the aging, as well as sleep changes over the life cycle. There are also comprehensive reviews on specific disease topics including chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, atypical mycobacteria, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disorders in older patients. Two chapters focus on unique issues in older patients; HIV and lung transplant. Included also are important chapters on assessing functional and cognitive status and end-of-life issues in older patients with lung disease. In addition to outlining the current state of knowledge, each chapter focuses on special considerations when caring for older patients. Of particular interest to pulmonologists, internists, and gerontologists, other readers, such as pulmonary and geriatric nurse practitioners, as well as clinical researchers interested in both pulmonary and aging issues, willfind Aging and Lung Disease: A Clinical Guide to be a vital resource for improving their care of older patients with lung disorders.

Physiologic Changes in the Aging Lung.- Allergy and Immunology of the Aging Lung.- Physiologic Changes in Sleep with Aging.- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Older Patients.- Lung Cancer in Older Patients.- Pulmonary Hypertension in Older Patients.- Pulmonary Embolism in Older Patients.- Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Older Patients.- Sleep Disorders in Older Patients.- Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in Older Patients.- Interstitial Lung Disease in Older Patients.- Lung Disease in Older Patients with HIV.- Special Considerations in Lung Transplantation in Older Patients.- Assessment of Functional and Cognitive Status in Older Patients with Lung Disease.- Addressing End-of-Life Issues in Older Patients with Lung Disease.