So, how old are your lungs? The answer may reveal more about your health than you realize. As lungs age and weaken, the rest of the body can also feel the effects.
A major study was released in May 2025 on the growth and decline of lung function throughout people’s lifespan. Based on data collected from 30,000 men and women, lung function peaks in the early to mid-20s, with women typically reaching their maximum capacity a few years earlier than men. After that, lung performance naturally declines. And of course, smoking, air pollution, and chronic conditions such as asthma can accelerate this decline.
According to Judith Garcia-Aymerich, a professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health who led the study, one’s peak lung capacity is important. The higher it is, the more resilient one would be against disease later in life.
Researchers say the lungs contain millions of immune cells that clear pollutants, fight infections, and repair daily wear from breathing. When these cells are unable to keep pace with the particles that accumulate in the lungs, inflammation develops, scarring the lung tissue, and making the organs stiffer and less effective. But that’s not all. Research has linked poor lung health to other age-related health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and memory decline.
But how is lung health measured?
Doctors measure lung strength with a device called a spirometer, but a simple home test can also give an estimate. To try it, start by filling a plastic bottle with water, marking it in 200-milliliter increments. Once full, submerge it upside down in a tub of water, and insert a rubber tube into its neck. Then, blow into the tube to see how much air you can push out. Count the number of marked sections emptied and multiply that number by 200 milliliters to find your forced vital capacity (FVC). The American Lung Association states that a healthy adult typically falls between 3 and 5 liters.
Fortunately, you can take action to improve your lung health. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking or vaping all help maintain your lungs. Meanwhile, singing, playing a wind instrument, or using special training devices can build the muscles that power your breathing.
While lung capacity inevitably declines with age, we can extend that time by taking good care of our lungs.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor teen/1760056159/1613367750
1. Who led the 2025 study on lung function and its decline over the lifespan?
2. How do smoking, air pollution, and chronic conditions affect lung performance?
3. What role do immune cells in the lungs play in maintaining respiratory health?
4. Why is it important to take care of your lungs even though lung capacity naturally declines with age?
1. How would you feel if you learned your lung age was older than your actual age?
2. Would you try the home test to measure your lung capacity, and why or why not?
3. If you discovered your lung function was declining faster than normal, what changes might you make to your lifestyle?
4. How motivated would you be to exercise, eat well, or avoid smoking to protect your lungs?
So, how old are your lungs? The answer may reveal more about your health than you realize. As lungs age and weaken, the rest of the body can also feel the effects.
But how is lung health measured?
