Dad sits completely doubled over

Dear Ask The Doctor: My dad is 93 and is very ambulatory. Recently, however, he has begin to sit completely doubled over, with his chest rearing on his thighs. He has begun to have breathing problems and I think it is related. Why is he doing this? How can I get him to stop. It looks very strange and he often hyperventilates when he does this.

Dear Michael: There is nothing you can do. This is normal in older people. He must be doing this to help with his breathing as he might be under some pain. I would take him in for a check up with the doctor in person.