Final answer:
Increased cardiovascular stiffness is the factor that most significantly influences vital signs in older adults due to the increased stiffness of blood vessels causing changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that most significantly influences vital signs in older adults is B. Increased cardiovascular stiffness. Aging is often associated with a progressive homeostatic imbalance, which can affect various physiological systems. One significant change in the cardiovascular system is the increased stiffness of the blood vessels, which can lead to higher blood pressure and impact heart function. This condition can cause variations in the heart rate, blood pressure, and potentially influence the stroke volume.
While a decreased metabolic rate can also affect vital signs by modifying the basal metabolic rate (BMR), it is the changes in the cardiovascular system that are most directly related to altering vital signs. Factors like enhanced respiratory capacity and improved thermoregulation are not commonly seen in older adults; instead, the capacity for these functions often decreases with age.
It is essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of these changes to effectively monitor and manage the health of the elderly population.