Studies on the Ventilatory Functions of the Aged.

1.　The results obtained in the pulmonary function tests which were performed as a part of themedical examination program in Keio university hospital is reported.

2.　The ventilatory functions of 609 unselected cases in various age groups are presented to discuss the normal and the impaired ventilatory functions, among Japanese people.

3.　The normal standards of vital capacity, expi—ratory reserve volume, functional residual capacity／total lung capacity ratio, RV／TLC ratio, maximum breathing capacity, ventilation reserve, and of timed vital capacity are presented.

4.　4 types of ventilatory functions, such as nor—mal, restrictive, combined and expiratory incompetent, were classified in every age groups and the importance of expiratory incompetency in the aged is emphasized.

5.　Ventilatory functions in the clinically-healthy are discussed and in the aged the fact that the clinically-healthy often accompanies the ex—piratory incompetency of moderate grade is shown.

6.　Clinical importance of the pulmonary function tests to discuss the pulmonary disorders in the aged is emphasized.