Final answer:
Limited mobility causes reduced blood flow and increased pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue breakdown and pressure ulcer formation, especially in the elderly or immobilized individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impaired mobility significantly impacts tissue integrity, primarily by encouraging skin breakdown and promoting pressure ulcer formation. Immobility can lead to constant pressure on bony areas of the body which in turn reduces blood flow to those areas. This persistent pressure and reduced circulation can result in tissue necrosis, or death, commonly seen in the form of bedsores or decubitis ulcers. Without frequent repositioning, individuals with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with debilitating conditions, are at high risk for developing these pressure ulcers. Furthermore, with aging, the skin and tissues become thinner and less elastic, slowing down wound healing and making tissue more susceptible to injury.