Final answer:
Chronic illness is more prevalent in older individuals due to the decreased efficiency of homeostatic mechanisms with age, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases, including cancer and pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic illness is indeed more common among the elderly than among the young. As people age, homeostatic mechanisms become less efficient, leading to an increased susceptibility to diseases. For example, the immune system may become less effective at fighting off pathogens, making the elderly more prone to serious illnesses such as cancer and pneumonia.
Additionally, chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases become more prevalent. It's also noteworthy that some cases of cancer are preventable through lifestyle choices and screening measures.