Which safety risks are most associated with older adults?

Prepare for the Certification in Clinical Sleep Health exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Aging brings changes in sensory and motor function that affect safety. In older adults, decreased sensation (including touch and proprioception), slower reaction time, and impaired balance are common due to changes in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. These alterations increase the risk of events like slips, trips, and especially falls, making safety risks higher with age. The option describing decreases in sensation, slower processing, and balance problems best reflects these typical age-related changes. In contrast, increased sensation, improved reaction time, or no change do not align with how aging usually affects safety, and heightened reflexes are not characteristic of older adults.