Final answer:
The statement is true. Older adults show increased mortality rates for similar severity of injury compared to younger individuals, partially due to their reduced physiological resilience and greater susceptibility to complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. While the mechanism of injury may be similar across different age groups, older adults do exhibit increased mortality with similar severity of injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that about 30 percent of all injury-related deaths are due to head injuries, with falls being a major cause among the elderly (over 65 years). Strong impacts can lead to skull fractures, bleeding, and brain injury. Moreover, the elderly's physiological resilience is generally lower, making them more susceptible to complications such as infections and slower recovery from trauma. As we age, our bodies are less able to heal and recover from severe injuries, contributing to higher mortality rates in older adults even when the injury severity is akin to that of younger individuals.