What causes difficulty breathing in elderly when trying to stand straight from a stooped position?

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My father and a couple of his friends, all 90 years plus, are gradually walking with a more and more stooped posture. It's not that they cannot stand up straight, it is just that when they do they cannot get enough breath and have to bend over again to breath. They are 'belly breathing'. What causes this shortness of breath when going from a stooped to a straight posture please?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    It's to do with the diaphragm, sarcopenia, age related muscular atrophy smile
  • Posted

    thanks for the comment House. what can be done about it to stop or reverse it please?
  • Posted

    If they were (a couple of decades) younger I'd say exercise, swimming, but at 90+ years that might not be an option, it depends how sprightly your friends are smile

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