Physical aspects of aging: is there such a thing as 'normal'?

Traditional thinking about the process of aging is changing as the distinction blurs between normal aging and disease. One of the myths about aging is that all older people are alike. However, one of the maxims of geriatrics is that as people get older they become less alike. Several models have been proposed for the interactions between aging and disease. Although the issue of distinguishing normal aging from disease poses challenges in the clinical setting, the inclusion of aging into the equation can also make the care of older persons more intellectually stimulating.