Final answer:
The claim that it's too late for older adults to benefit from changing health behaviors is false. Improved lifestyle choices can lead to notable health benefits and longevity, even in older age. It's important to continue positive health behaviors regardless of age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is too late to gain benefit from changing health behaviors once someone reaches older adult status is false. Even in older adulthood, engaging in healthier lifestyles by incorporating regular exercise, improving nutrition, and avoiding negative behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have significant benefits. Older adults can indeed experience improvements in their physical and mental health, and such changes can also lead to an extended lifespan and better quality of life. Additionally, these behaviors can influence their ability to remain active in the workforce, thereby providing more opportunity to save for retirement.
While it is true that the aging process brings about physical declines, susceptibility to diseases, and potential cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease, it's important to note that personal preferences in diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices significantly affect health outcomes and longevity. Therefore, it's never too late to make positive changes. Moreover, improved health behaviors have a direct impact on reducing the rate of diseases like heart disease and improving the ability to fight infections, such as the flu, during old age.