Pulmonary Disease in the Older Adult: A Review of Interstitial Lung Disease

Clin Geriatr Med. 2025 Nov;41(4):525-538. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2025.07.011. Epub 2025 Sep 16.

Abstract

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a group of diverse conditions of critical importance to the care of the older adult that can cause pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and death. Aging and geriatric principles are key factors in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of ILD. Effective management of ILD for the older adult includes prompt diagnosis and referral for treatment, including pharmacotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and symptom palliation. It is key to recognize and address age-related geriatric syndromes in order to deliver age-friendly ILD care. Important gaps remain in how best to tailor and deliver care for older adults with ILD.

Keywords: Aging; Diagnosis; Geriatrics; Interstitial lung disease (ILD); Management; Pulmonary fibrosis; Review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / physiopathology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / therapy