Oxygen Levels in Elderly Adults: When to Be Concerned

Red blood cells carry most of the oxygen in your body. These cells pick up oxygen in your lungs and deliver it to all parts of your body to support essential functions. That means if you have a low blood oxygen level, you may need medical attention since it can prevent you from performing everyday activities and cause severe health risks.

Doctors will use tests to check your oxygen levels. These can include pulse oximetry (a sensor you slip over your finger), an arterial blood gas test (a needle that removes blood from your artery to measure blood oxygen levels), and other breathing tests. Understanding breathing problems in older adults can also help you recognize symptoms that may require medical attention. But what do you do once you learn about these issues? In this post, we will review what you need to know about oxygen levels in the elderly and when you need to be concerned.

What is a Normal Oxygen Level for the Elderly?

A normal oxygen saturation level is generally 95–100%, but older adults may have slightly lower levels than younger adults. If an individual is older than 70, a normal oxygen level for elderly adults may be about 95%, which can be acceptable depending on their health.

In extreme cases, low oxygen levels can result in hypoxemia or hypoxia. The former, which is low oxygen in your blood, can cause the latter, which is low oxygen in your tissues. However, “hypoxia” is commonly used to describe both problems. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden confusion, call 911 immediately.

Causes of Low Oxygen for Elderly Adults

Below are a few examples of what could cause hypoxia.

• Anemia – Learn more about anemia in seniors and how it affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Cyanide poisoning
• Heart problems
• High altitude
• Pain medications with side effects that make it harder to breathe
• Severe asthma attack
• Lung damage due to trauma
• Lung diseases (ARDS, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema) – Conditions such as COPD and pneumonia in elderly adults can interfere with normal breathing and oxygen exchange.
• Sleep apnea

Now that we know some causes, let’s review some of the symptoms of low oxygen in the elderly.

Signs of Low Oxygen in the Elderly

Low oxygen levels can cause several symptoms. Below are a few signs of low oxygen.

• Changes in skin color, including a bluish or grayish appearance
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Fast or slow heart rate
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Lack of coordination
• Rapid breathing – Understanding the normal respiratory rate for elderly adults can help you recognize unusual changes in breathing patterns.
• Restlessness
• Sense of euphoria
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Visual disorders
• Wheezing

If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden confusion, or a rapid heartbeat accompanied by serious symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Next, we will review ways to treat these symptoms.

Download Our Heart Health Guide

Treatment for Dangerous Oxygen Levels in the Elderly

Now that we know a little more about the signs, the big question is: how do you achieve normal oxygen saturation levels in the elderly? Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the oxygen deficiency. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed when medically necessary, but it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

There are also several measures that may support respiratory health and overall well-being. However, these methods are not substitutes for medical treatment when oxygen levels are dangerously low.

• Deep breathing exercises – Certain breathing exercises for the elderly may help support lung function when recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated supports overall health. Learn more about preventing dehydration in elderly adults.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly, as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Regular blood oxygen level monitoring when advised by a healthcare professional
• Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke in areas where others smoke

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.