Air Pollution May Accelerate Physical Disability in Later Life

A large study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution may contribute to the progression of physical limitations and disability as people age. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 30,000 adults participating in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study and examined their exposure to several common air pollutants over time.

Higher long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, coarse particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with a greater likelihood of progressing from healthy physical function toward limitations in mobility and activities of daily living. The study also found evidence that greater exposure to fine particulate matter was associated with a lower likelihood of recovering from physical limitations.

The findings add another dimension to the relationship between environmental quality and healthy ageing. While the observational study does not establish that air pollution directly causes disability, it suggests that cleaner air may matter not only for preventing disease, but also for preserving mobility, independence and functional ability later in life.