How do skin changes in older adults affect injury risk?

• A. Thinner skin and decreased elasticity lead to increased injury risk and slower healing
• B. Thicker skin and increased elasticity reduce injury risk
• C. There is no change in injury risk
• D. Increased melanin prevents injury

Answer: (A)

As skin ages, its structure and repair begin to change, making injuries more likely and healing slower. The outer layers become thinner and the dermis loses collagen and elastin, so skin is weaker and less stretchy. There’s also less cushioning from reduced subcutaneous fat and fewer blood vessels, which means the skin tears or bruises more easily from minor bumps. At the same time, slower cell turnover and reduced blood flow hinder the healing process, so wounds take longer to close and recover. This combination explains why thinner skin with decreased elasticity increases injury risk and slows healing. Other ideas that suggest thicker skin, no change, or that pigmentation prevents injury don’t match these aging-related shifts in skin structure and repair.