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Why Older Adults Are at Higher Risk for Infections and Aspiration Pneumonia

Older adults are more likely to get infections because the immune system becomes weaker with age. They may also have trouble coughing or swallowing. This increases the risk of aspiration (breathing food or liquid into the lungs), which can lead to pneumonia.

More than half of people who get pneumonia are age 65 or older. Adults age 75 and older have a higher risk of being hospitalized from pneumonia.

Common causes of Viral Pneumonia in the United States

  • Influenza viruses
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)

A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), which can cause pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and meningitis.

However, there are many other kinds of bacteria that can also cause pneumonia. And in many cases, no specific cause is found.     

 

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

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