Healthy lungs play a vital role in overall health and well-being and can impact energy levels and the ability to participate in an active lifestyle. Lung functioning and lung capacity can decline as you age. According to the National Library of Medicine, muscles that assist with breathing, like the diaphragm, can weaken, and lung tissue can lose elasticity and become smaller. These changes, coupled with higher risks of chronic conditions, can make airways less efficient at clearing infections and pollutants. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and reduced participation in favorite activities and hobbies. The good news is that there are steps older adults can take to support better lung health.

Improving Lung Health as You Age

Just as strength training helps you to build muscles, exercising your lungs can help maintain their strength and efficiency. Practiced regularly, breathing exercises like these from the American Lung Association can help rid the lungs of accumulated stale air, increase oxygen levels and make breathing easier and more effective.

Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke as much as possible is essential, as tobacco damages lung tissue and accelerates respiratory decline. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and helps keep airways clear. If you have chronic lung conditions, following prescribed treatment plans and attending regular medical checkups can help prevent complications and support long-term wellness.

Advanced Pulmonary Care in the Rio Grande Valley

While healthy habits can reduce risks, you may need advanced care to manage chronic conditions like COPD or asthma or to recover from serious illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis. Mid Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation can provide the expert, specialized care you need to breathe easier.

Our pulmonary program is led by a board-certified pulmonologist, and our team of dedicated respiratory therapists and nurses deliver exceptional care 24/7. We are one of the few communities in Texas with a specialty vent unit that accepts patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation.

Our best-in-class pulmonary care solutions in Mercedes, Texas include:

• Mechanical Ventilation

• Non-Invasive Ventilation

• BiPap/CPap

• High-Flow Oxygen

• EKGs On-Site

• Tracheostomy Care

• Breathing Treatments

• Education & Coaching

If you are facing respiratory challenges, Mid Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation can provide the expert care to help you breathe easier, regain strength, and live the highest quality of life possible.

Contact us today to learn more.