Which statement about the effects of aging on pulmonary function is true?

With aging, one of the notable changes in pulmonary function is the decrease in chest wall compliance. As individuals age, the structures of the chest wall, including the ribs and the intercostal muscles, may become stiffer, leading to reduced expansion capability during inhalation. This rigidity can make it harder for the lungs to fully expand and take in air, which contributes to an overall decline in lung function.

In contrast, other statements do not accurately reflect the typical effects of aging on the pulmonary system. For example, lung volumes generally do not increase with age but rather decrease due to factors such as loss of elastic recoil in the lungs and diminished capacity for deep breathing. The diffusing capacity of the lungs also tends to decline rather than improve, as the surface area available for gas exchange can decrease with age due to structural changes in the alveoli. Lastly, airway resistance typically increases with age because of factors like structural changes in the airways and a decrease in the elasticity of the lung tissue, leading to more difficult airflow. Thus, the correct assertion about chest wall compliance accurately captures a key aspect of how aging affects pulmonary function.