My uncle is 72, has ephysema, no longer smokes, & needs a lung transplant, but his health is too poor to survive surgery. what is his life expectancy?

Unknown. : At 72 even in better health, he is probably not a candidate for a lung transplantation. Depending on the severity of the emphysema, he may be a candidate for lung volume reduction surgery although this is not recommended in patients with severe disease. Medications are recommended and should be continued. No one can actually predict life expectancy with copd. Lack of smoking, good nutrition.