15 Jul 2025 • Asthma and COPD are emerging as major concerns for India's aging population, with prevalence rates of 4.38% and 2.1%, respectively, among adults aged 45 and above, rising sharply after age 60.

New analysis of LASI Wave 1 data identified key risk factors, including smoking history, lack of a separate kitchen, and exposure to passive smoke or open-fire cooking.

The diseases disproportionately affected wealthier and socially marginalized groups, and were more common in southern India. Women showed lower prevalence, while continued employment appeared protective.

Both conditions were strongly linked to geriatric syndromes, showing higher odds of dependence in Activities of Daily Living (1.41–1.42), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (1.54–1.58), and increased fall risk (1.17–1.32), even after adjusting for confounders.

Source: Archives of Public Health | Read Full Story