[Features of the functional capabilities of the bodies of older persons exposed to simulated space flight factors].

In response to simulated space flights cardiovascular and metabolic changes of 86 volunteers, aged 40-49 and 50-56, were similar to those of young people (25-39 years old). In most aged test subjects, the changes produced by 8-day head-down tilt (-8 degrees) and 7-day water immersion were moderate and reversible. This type of variation of the adaptive-compensatory reactions give evidence that aged people have sufficiently high functional capabilities. Nevertheless, 36% test subjects, aged 40-49, and 50% test subjects, aged 50-56, displayed certain features suggesting a reduction of the adaptive-compensatory capabilities (functional reserves) as a result of age-related and atherosclerotic changes of the cardiovascular system.