[Effect of parental longevity and smoking on the pulmonary function in elderly persons]

The significance of smoking habits and long age of parents on lung function in a large population of elderly people (559 males and 1073 females) living in the city of Cracow were analyzed. The lung function parameters correlated negatively with age of analyzed subjects (males and females). Mean values of FVC in men from long living families were 400 ml higher in comparison with other subjects, while the mean FEV1 was 330 ml higher. Such differences were not seen in females. Smoking also affected negatively lung function in the analyzed subjects. Chronic cough and sputum production did not hamper lung function, if such variables as age, height and smoking habits were not included in the analysis.