Breathe Easy: Tips for Respiratory Health
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According to the National Library of Medicine, respiratory muscle strength begins to decline with age. This decrease in strength can impair overall lung function, reduce the body's ability to respond effectively to medication, and leave the respiratory system more vulnerable to infection.
Examples of Respiratory Illnesses and Disorders:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines respiratory disorders or illnesses as any condition that affects your airways, lungs or even the muscles, nerves and bones that help you breathe. These kinds of disorders can include:
- Asthma
- Oxygen Dependence
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Common Risk Factors
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According to the CDC, adults over the age of 65 can be at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses or breathing disorders.
Pre-existing conditions
Additionally, those with pre-existing conditions affecting the respiratory system, or chronic conditions that can weaken the immune system may also be at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses.
Lifestyle
Other factors that can affect your risk of respiratory illness can include obesity, lifestyle issues like smoking, or age-related decreases in heart function.
Environment
Environmental factors can also affect your risk for respiratory illness. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), breathing in lung irritants like air pollution, artificially produced dyes, dust, and smoke over an extended period can cause long term damage and leave you more vulnerable to a respiratory illness.
How You Can Reduce Your Risk for Respiratory Illness
- Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends learning about seasonal vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.
- Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with those who are sick. Washing your hands consistently and cleaning regularly used areas of your household can reduce your risk and the spread of respiratory illnesses. Even actions as simple as covering your mouth while sneezing and coughing can help protect yourself and those around you. Additionally, avoiding those who may be sick or have any symptoms of a respiratory sickness can also slow the spread of these illnesses.
- Improve air quality. The CDC recommends ensuring any ventilation and AC systems in your home have clean and updated filters as well as taking part in more outdoor activities where there is fresh air. Even just opening a window in your home can help with cleaner air flow and help prevent respiratory illness.
How CenterLight Supports Respiratory Health
CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) focuses on whole person care to help participants prevent or relieve symptoms caused by respiratory illnesses. Each participant has access to a full care team including, but not limited to, medical providers, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, therapeutic recreation specialists, and social workers. Care is provided when and where they need it, whether in the PACE center or in the home.
Depending on the participant's plan of care, services may include:
| At the PACE Center | At Home |
| A medical provider to manage respiratory illnesses through assessment, preventive care, education, and coordination with the care team to optimize lung function and reduce complications. | Assistance provided by the Home Health Aide or Personal Care Aide if part of the care plan. |
| Personalized physical and occupational therapies based on individual care plan, as well as access to open gym supervised by licensed rehabilitation therapists. | Educational materials and monitoring services, including tips to prevent future flare-ups. |
| Therapeutic recreation programs including group exercises, tai chi, chair exercise, and yoga to help improve breathing, strengthen respiratory muscles, and enhance overall physical function while encouraging social connection. | Home visits and regular follow-ups. |
| Nurse on site to monitor respiratory symptoms. | Meal planning to promote proper nutrition according to participant's unique needs. |
| Administration of medications or respiratory treatments. | Transportation services to and from medical appointments and the PACE center. |
We understand the need for personalized and compassionate care and how important it is for our participants to feel confident with their healthcare plan. By taking a holistic approach, we help participants manage their health while continuing to live their lives to the fullest.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE se compromete a proporcionar información precisa relacionada con la salud para ayudar a las personas a vivir bien, mantenerse sanas y tomar decisiones bien informadas sobre la atención sanitaria. La información contenida en este material es estrictamente educativa. Recomendamos a los usuarios que consulten con su proveedor médico acerca de su atención.
About the Author
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
In her own words:
“I chose to work in healthcare because I saw firsthand how overwhelming and inefficient the system can feel for so many people. I wanted to be part of making it more accessible and easier to navigate, so individuals can spend less time struggling with the system and more time focusing on their health and well-being.”
Fuentes:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Institutes of Health | www.nhlbi.nih.gov
National Library of Medicine | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Updated August 8, 2026