Rising Burden of Asthma and COPD Among Older Indians Linked to Social and Household Factors, Finds Study

Using data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), the research offers the first nationally representative estimates of Asthma and COPD among individuals aged 45 years and above. The findings indicate that 4.38% of the surveyed population reported Asthma, while 2.1% had COPD.

The study revealed the following findings:

• The risk of developing Asthma and COPD increases with age, especially after 60 years.
• Individuals from wealthier backgrounds show higher prevalence rates of these conditions.
• People belonging to socially disadvantaged groups (SC, OBC, or non-classified) are more likely to be affected.
• Women are at a lower risk compared to men.
• Those who have discontinued smoking face a higher risk of developing both Asthma and COPD.
• Living in homes without a separate kitchen increases vulnerability to these conditions.
• The use of open fires for cooking is linked to a higher risk, particularly for COPD.
• Exposure to passive smoking raises the likelihood of developing COPD.
• Regional variations exist, with lower risk seen in the northeast and higher prevalence in the southern regions of India.
• Both Asthma and COPD are strongly associated with limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
• These conditions are also linked to difficulties in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL).
• A higher risk of falls is observed among individuals with Asthma or COPD.
• The findings suggest that chronic lung diseases contribute significantly to functional decline and dependency among older adults.

“The research highlights the dual burden of chronic respiratory diseases and functional impairments in India’s ageing population,” the authors note. They call for an integrated healthcare approach that addresses both respiratory health and age-related syndromes.

Despite its insights, the study acknowledges limitations, including its reliance on self-reported data and its cross-sectional nature, which limit causal inference. The authors recommend future studies using longitudinal data and clinical diagnostics to better understand these associations over time.

"The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted public health strategies that combine respiratory care with geriatric support. Strengthening health education, improving access to age- and gender-sensitive healthcare, enhancing diagnostic services, and mitigating household risk factors like indoor pollution and tobacco exposure are vital steps toward promoting healthy ageing in India," the authors concluded.

Reference:

Chakraborty, A., Yadav, S. & Kumar, A.H.S.A. Chronic lung diseases (Asthma and COPD) among middle-aged and older populations in India: social, individual, and household determinants and their associations with geriatric syndromes. Arch Public Health 83, 186 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-025-01675-4