Symptoms of pneumonia most common in older adults

• Fever and chills
• New or worsening cough, sometimes with thick mucus 
• Thick mucus (sputum)
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Chest pain

Older adults may also have confusion, low alertness, or falls. These symptoms can happen even without the common signs listed above.

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