Forced vital capacity and FEV levels were related positively to height and white race and negatively to age and waist girth. Lung function was related inversely to pack-years of cigarette use. Prevalence rates of impaired lung function was related inversely to pack-years of cigarette use. Prevalence rates of impaired lung function were highest in currently smokers and lowest in never smokers. Regression coefficients for the smoking variables were smaller in persons without cardiovascular or respiratory conditions than in the total cohort.
Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced pulmonary functioning elderly men and women.
However, smokers who quit, even after age 60 years, have better pulmonary function than continuing smokers.