Final answer:
Older patients are less likely to mount a fever or pain response but more likely to exhibit lethargy or mental status changes. The normal aging process may bring about a reduction in the efficiency of the body's homeostasis, making elderly people more susceptible to diseases. For example, older people may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more prone to heat stroke and other overheating diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Older patients are less likely to mount a fever or pain response but more likely to exhibit lethargy or mental status changes. This is because the normal aging process may lead to a reduction in the efficiency of the body's homeostasis, making elderly people more susceptible to diseases. For example, older people may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, which is why they are more likely to develop heat stroke and other diseases caused by the body overheating. Additionally, older people may have a harder time fighting off infectious diseases and cancer.