[Aging and normal physical values]

The physical features of healthy persons demonstrate considerable modifications in the range of the potential for extragenetic adaptation. The functional capacity is not identical in the total spectrum of adaptation; under the aspect of a wide adaptive scope physiological findings must also be evaluated against the background of normality. A minimal norm, a norm of the majority, an ideal norm and a special norm can be confirmed. The minimal norm is the border between physiology and pathology. The norm of the majority is the average of the healthy population. The ideal norm is characterized by an optimum of functional efficiency. The special norm is a prerequisite for special physical activities and high performances. The concept of normality as dependent on exercise-induced adaptation is relatively well established for persons in the so-called age of highest physical performance capacity. In this presentation the attempt is made to transfer the afore-mentioned concept of normality to the situation in later periods of life. The body is lifelong adaptable, but the position of the four categories of norms changes in the course of life. An efficient classification of norms based on exercise-induced adaptations is for older individuals of particular importance as these persons are at present to a high degree affected by hypokinesia with a subsequent maladaptation (atrophy).