Which common physical change is observed in older adults?

Decreased bone density is a well-documented common physical change observed in older adults. As individuals age, the body’s ability to form new bone slows, and the rate of bone resorption can increase, contributing to lower bone density. This condition, known as osteoporosis, significantly heightens the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as those in the hips, spine, and wrists.

In contrast, aging is associated with various other changes that do not reflect improvements or increases in physical abilities. For instance, muscle mass generally decreases rather than increases, cardiovascular health tends to decline with age, and skin elasticity is also negatively affected, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Therefore, the acknowledgment of decreased bone density is critical for understanding the health challenges older adults may face.