AGE-RELATED-CHANGES IN LUNG-FUNCTION

During the aging process, lung volume is reduced, the ventilation/perfusion relationship worsens, circulatory pressure is increased and maximal oxygen intake is reduced. These factors were measured in a selected group of patients. With increasing age it becomes more difficult, however, to exclude the varying pathological factors. The patients' active participation and the selection factor (survival theory) must also be considered. Further studies are necessary to differentiate the pathological from the norm.