What factors are involved with increasing the energy requirements of breathing as people age?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As people age, there is a decrease in chest wall mobility due to changes in spinal curves, and the alveoli also thicken, making it more difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. These factors require more energy for breathing. While collagen cross-linking and rib calcification do occur with aging, they do not significantly contribute to increased energy requirements for breathing. Residual lung volumes may decrease with age, but this would actually make breathing easier, not require more energy.

What Factors Are Involved with Increasing the Energy Requirements of Breathing